Baseball Legend Willie Mays Passes Away at 93

Ivory D. Payne

Jun 20, 2024 — 1 min read

SAN FRANCISCO - "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," the Giants said in a statement.

Dubbed the “Say Hey Kid” for his infectious enthusiasm, Mays played 22 big-league seasons. He debuted with the New York Giants in 1951, became a staple in San Francisco after the team's move, and concluded his career with the New York Mets in 1973.

Mays was the epitome of a "five-tool" player: hitting for average, power, speed, fielding, and throwing. His career stats are remarkable: a .301 batting average, 660 home runs, 3,293 hits, and 1,909 RBIs. He scored 2,068 runs and recorded 7,112 putouts as an outfielder.

Mays’ defensive prowess is highlighted by his 12 Gold Glove awards and his iconic over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series.

Major League Baseball called Mays “one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.” Commissioner Rob Manfred added, “His incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable.”

Mays was a trailblazer for African American players, having started in the Negro Leagues and competing alongside legends like Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks. President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, acknowledging his impact on civil rights.

“Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete,” Obama stated. “He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person — and an inspiration to an entire generation.”

Mays’ legacy extends beyond baseball. His name is synonymous with greatness, and he remained a beloved figure in both New York and San Francisco throughout his life.

Willie Mays is survived by his son, Michael, and a legacy that will endure in the annals of baseball history.

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