Baseball legend Willie Mays passed away at the age of 93, as announced by the San Francisco Giants. Mays was a revered figure in the world of sports, known for his exceptional talent and lasting impact on the game. He played 21 seasons with the Giants, starting in New York before moving with the team to San Francisco in 1957. Mays’ legacy includes hitting 660 home runs, making iconic catches, and captivating fans and peers alike.
Mays’ passing comes just days before a special MLB game between the Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This holds significance as Mays began his professional baseball career with the Negro Leagues’ Birmingham Black Barons. The announcement of his passing at a minor league game at Rickwood Field was met with a standing ovation in honor of Mays.
Tributes poured in from various corners of the sports world following the news of Mays’ passing. The San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred all expressed their condolences and highlighted Mays’ contributions to the game. Mets owner Steve Cohen honored Mays by retiring his number in 2022, fulfilling a promise made decades ago.
Barry Bonds, Mays’ godson and former MLB star, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his devastation at the loss of his godfather. Fellow Hall of Famer Derek Jeter also paid tribute to Mays, emphasizing his impact on and off the field. Former President Barack Obama, who awarded Mays the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, remembered him as a remarkable athlete and person.
Several other sports personalities, including C.C. Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins, Frank Thomas, and Magic Johnson, shared their memories of Mays and honored his legacy. Longtime Giants reporter John Shea, known for his book on Mays’ life, also paid tribute to the baseball icon.
The outpouring of tributes from players, organizations, and fans underscores the profound impact Willie Mays had on the world of sports. His legacy as a player and a person will continue to inspire generations to come.