MLB, and baseball as a whole, lost a true legend of the game on Tuesday with the passing of Willie Mays.
Many people have Mays as a top-ten player, and some would even say top five.
He was truly a joy to watch for those around him and helped break barriers and records with his phenomenal play.
On Tuesday, Mays left us due to heart failure at 93 years old.
He lived a full, joyful life that had it’s ups and downs, and he will be remembered by baseball fans all over the world.
The MLB universe raised it’s voice to mourn him in the last few hours.
MLB published a statement:
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.
Mays was a two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In… pic.twitter.com/kOqxNnetg7
— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2024
The San Francisco Giants, the team with which he is most commonly associated given the fact he spent most of his career there, also posted a note:
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
Mays, also known as the “Say Hey Kid”, was a major leaguer from 1951 to 1973, one of the longest and most productive careers by any player in the bigs.
He hit 660 career home runs, stole 339 bases, retired with a lifetime batting average of .301, won the 1954 World Series and made one of the game’s most spectacular catches in that Fall Classic.
He also won two MVP awards, accumulated 3,293 hits, was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1951, went to 24 All-Star Games, and took home 12 Gold Glove awards.
Mays contributed in every facet of the game, and played the game the right way: with a smile on his face.
Many MLB stars had words for him, from Ken Griffey Jr.:
A statement from Ken Griffey Jr. on the passing of his longtime friend, Hall of Famer Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/Oo86DlEp2q
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 19, 2024
To CC Sabathia:
I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”
RIP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
Even celebrities remember him fondly:
The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers.The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play. pic.twitter.com/FTNSc99Kh1
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 19, 2024
Mays will live forever in the memories of those who watched him play and those who followed all of his achievements.
Rest in peace.
