Baseball legend Willie Mays, known as one of the greatest players in baseball history, has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by the San Francisco Giants. The team shared the sad news on X, previously known as Twitter, on Tuesday. Major League Baseball (MLB) also expressed its sorrow over the loss of Mays, recognizing him as one of the most dynamic players in the sport’s history. Mays, also known as the “Say Hey Kid”, was a center fielder and the oldest living Hall of Famer in baseball.
Mays, who won the World Series with the Giants in 1954, was twice named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). His iconic catch during the 1954 World Series remains a memorable moment in the history of baseball. In addition to his MVP titles, he was a runner-up for MVP 10 other times. Mays’ son, Michael, shared that his father passed away surrounded by loved ones and thanked fans for their unwavering support over the years.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Mays’ impact on the game, emphasizing that his achievements and statistics do not fully capture the greatness of watching Mays play. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and California Governor Gavin Newsom also praised Mays for his contributions to baseball and his role as an inspiration to many.
Despite not playing professionally for over 50 years, Mays’ career hits record was recently updated to 3,293 hits, including 10 hits from his time with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. Mays expressed his regret for not being able to attend a game honoring Negro League ballplayers this year but conveyed his support from the Bay Area.
Born and raised in Westfield, Alabama, Mays began his baseball career while still in high school in 1948. He joined the New York Giants in 1950 and made an immediate impact, hitting 20 home runs in his first season. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Mays returned to baseball in 1954 and continued to excel on the field. His move to the San Francisco Giants in 1954 led to a World Series victory, with Mays playing a crucial role in securing the win.
In 1972, Mays was traded to the New York Mets at the age of 41, where he played for two more seasons before retiring. Throughout his career, Mays left a lasting legacy in baseball and inspired generations of players and fans. His impact on the sport will always be remembered.