Willie Mays was honored with a public memorial service in San Francisco, where he received final military honors for his service in the U.S. Army. The ceremony included a special presentation of an American flag to his son Michael and the playing of taps. Mays, known as the “Say Hey Kid,” passed away at the age of 93 on June 18.
Baseball legends such as Barry Bonds, who considered Mays his godfather, gathered on the field for the service. They watched video highlights of Mays’ illustrious career, which included 660 career home runs despite his time in the Army during the Korean War. The event took place at Oracle Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, with Mays’ jersey number 24 displayed prominently on the field.
Former President Bill Clinton, a close friend of Mays, shared his memories of listening to baseball games on the radio as a child. He recalled the excitement of hearing about Mays’ legendary catch, known as “The Catch,” which became a defining moment in baseball history. Clinton praised Mays for his impact on the game and his ability to captivate fans with his talent and joy for playing.
Other notable attendees at the memorial service included MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, and Juan Marichal, as well as former managers and players Dusty Baker and Felipe Alou. The event was a heartfelt tribute to Mays’ contributions to baseball and his lasting legacy in the sport.
Approximately 3,400 fans were in attendance at the service, with a total of 4,500 people present at Oracle Park. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to one of baseball’s greatest players, who will always be remembered for his skill, passion, and dedication to the game.
Willie Mays’ impact on the world of baseball is undeniable, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans. His legacy lives on through the stories and highlights of his remarkable career, reminding us of the magic and joy that the game of baseball brings to us all.