Willie Mays, the legendary baseball player known as the “Say Hey Kid,” has left us at the age of 93. His impact on the game and the hearts of fans is immeasurable.
From his iconic grab – known simply as “The Catch” – in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series to his 660 career home runs, Mays was a true legend of the sport. He played with a joy and enthusiasm that was contagious.
His love for the game – from his playing career to his role as an ambassador for the sport in his later years – was very evident.
Mays was more than just a great athlete. He was a trailblazer, breaking not just records on the field, but barriers as one of the first African American players in Major League Baseball.
His talent and charisma helped pave the way for future generations of players, and his legacy will continue to inspire young athletes for years to come.
Willie Mays Death Hits The Baseball World Hard
News of the death of Willie Mays leaves a hole in the hearts of many sports fans and his fellow athletes. He is an icon that transcends sports.
Tributes immediately began pouring in remembering Mays following news of his death.
"We are very sad now to relay this information that has just been released by the Giants. That the great Willie Mays has passed away. Passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
Jon Miller announces the passing of the legendary Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/p8s6MNszZw
Former Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia thanked Mays for the profound effect he had on his career.
“You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream,” he wrote on X. “Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field.”
Another all-time great, Ken Griffey Jr., was mentored by Mays. He also paid tribute to the legend.
“I’m just grateful and thankful that I was able to spend the time I had with him because he is a true giant, on and off the field,” he said.
Mays was the godfather of Barry Bonds, whose father, Bobby Bonds, was a friend of his when they were teammates on the San Francisco Giants.
“I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion,” Bonds wrote on Instagram. “I have no words to describe what you mean to me- you helped shape me to be who I am today.”
“Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there,” he added. “Give my dad a hug for me.”
Yankees great Derek Jeter described Mays as “one of the best to ever play the game and even a better person.”
RELATED: After MLB Adds Negro League Stats, Baseball May Have a New Greatest Player: Josh Gibson
RIP To The Say Hey Kid
It’d be impossible to speak about Willie Mays without addressing his fabled catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. Mays made a spectacular over-the-shoulder grab while sprinting toward the center-field wall, preventing at least two runs.
‘The Catch’ is considered one of the greatest defensive plays in baseball history and was a key moment in the New York Giants’ 4-0 sweep of the Cleveland Indians.
Mays’ ability to track the ball, make the catch, and quickly throw it back to the infield demonstrated his exceptional talent and contributed to his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
Let’s all marvel one more time …
The catch.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 19, 2024
RIP Willie Mays. 🙏
(via @MLBVault)pic.twitter.com/GAMrB5zSzx
Just days before his death, we had a chance to marvel over Wille Mays’ incredible sense of humor.
Mays offered a fantastic take on having 10 more hits added to his overall statistics. Something made possible by MLB adding stats from the historical Negro League to its own.
“So that’s a very good thing,” Mays said about the ten hits. “It must be some kind of record for a 93-year-old.”
Some kind of record. Some kind of career, and some kind of man.
Rest in Peace Willie, you’re gone for now, but never forgotten.
More about:Baseball