The sports world has lost a great player.
On Tuesday night we learned that former San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays died that day “surrounded by loved ones,” as reported by his son.
Mays was 93.
Announcing the sad news, Mays’ son wrote in a statement, “From the bottom of my broken heart, I want to thank all of you for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”
Known as “The Say Hey Kid” because of his positive attitude and the way he greeted others on game days, Mays played a total of 23 seasons.
He finished his career with 660 home runs, which at the time was second in history only to Babe Ruth.
Mays appeared on 24 All-Star teams, won two NL MVP awards and earned 12 Gold Gloves.
He now ranks sixth in home runs (660), seventh in runs scored (2,068), 12th in RBIs (1,909) and 13th in hits (3,293).
It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93. pic.twitter.com/Qk4NySCFZQ
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
“Today we lost a true legend,” Giants chairman Greg Johnson said in a statement. “In the ranks of baseball greats, Willie Mays’ combination of tremendous talent, keen intelligence, showmanship and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Mays Kid is an all-time legend.
“He had a profound impact not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will always be remembered and greatly missed.”
Mays led the National League in home runs and steals in four seasons and in slugging five times. He hit over .300 ten times and had a career average of .301.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who was one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our game,” Major League Baseball said in a statement on Twitter.
Mays’ godson Barry Bonds said via Instagram:
I am completely heartbroken and overwhelmed with emotion. I don’t have the words to describe what you mean to me- you helped me become who I am today. Thank you for being my godfather and always being there for me. Hug my dad for me. Rest in peace Willie, I love you forever.
In the first game of the 1954 World Series, Mays made an over-the-shoulder running catch in centerfield that is still known as “The Catch.”
Partly as a result of this game, the World Series MVP Award in 2017 was named in his honor.
“The awe that came from watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way possible cannot be explained by his incredible accomplishments and statistics,” Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“We will never forget this true legend on and off the field.”
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I offer my deepest condolences to Willie’s family, his friends in our game, Giants fans around the world, and his countless admirers around the globe.”
May Willie Mays rest in peace.