Willie Mays’ loss of life was introduced by the San Francisco Giants, his staff of 21 seasons, at 5:52 p.m PT on Tuesday. What adopted confirmed the complete drive of a legacy of not simply as an inner-circle Corridor of Famer, however an integral a part of baseball’s wealthy historical past
Mays’ loss of life at 93 years outdated triggered a response throughout the baseball world, first hitting the Giants’ broadcast.
“We’re very unhappy now to relay this info that has simply been launched by the Giants, that the good Willie Mays has handed away,” Giants play-by-play introduced Jon Miller mentioned. “Handed away peacefully this afternoon on the age of 93.”
“We’re very unhappy now to relay this info that has simply been launched by the Giants. That the good Willie Mays has handed away. Handed away peacefully this afternoon on the age of 93.”
Jon Miller pronounces the passing of the legendary Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/p8s6MNszZw
— Terrible Saying (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
The Giants additionally included an announcement from Mays’ son Michael, who thanked followers for the help they confirmed his father:
“My father has handed away peacefully and amongst family members,” mentioned Michael Mays. “I need to thanks all from the underside of my damaged coronary heart for the unwavering love you’ve gotten proven him through the years. You have got been his life’s blood.”
MLB shortly launched an announcement from commissioner Rob Manfred, says [Mays’] unimaginable achievements and statistics don’t start to explain the awe that got here with watching Willie Mays dominate the sport in each manner possible.” It wasn’t lengthy earlier than California Gov. Gavin Newsom was releasing his own statement.
Barry Bonds, for whom Willie Mays was godfather by his time taking part in alongside Bobby Bonds, responded by Instagram:
I’m past devastated and overcome with emotion. 💔 I’ve no phrases to explain what you imply to me- you helped form me to be who I’m at present. Thanks for being my Godfather and at all times being there. Give my dad a hug for me.
Relaxation in peace Willie, I like you perpetually. #SayHey ⚾️
Mays’ loss of life figures to manner closely on the upcoming recreation at Rickwood Area, the place the Giants are scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals on the residence of the Negro League’s Birmingham Black Barons, the place Mays performed earlier than signing with the Giants in 1950. The Giants had launched an announcement from Mays only a day earlier explaining he can be unable to attend as a result of “I do not transfer in addition to I used to.”
Rickwood Area was truly internet hosting a minor-league recreation when Mays’ loss of life was introduced, between the Birmingham Barons (named after Mays’ hometown staff) and Montgomery Biscuits.
MLB Community broadcaster Wealthy Waltz could possibly be heard combating his feelings as he learn the Giants’ announcement through the recreation.
Many, many extra folks responded over the following hours. New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez, who watched Mets’ play throughout his temporary profession with the then-nascent Mets, was close to tears as he recalled assembly the legend:
“I have been at Shea Stadium when he was youthful and I additionally was in his firm when he was older and he was fully blind. What at all times got here off, and he was the Say Hey child, he had that ebullient persona, infectious and real. I bought to inform him that he was the best participant I ever noticed.”
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen additionally spoke of his time assembly Mays, who reportedly nicknamed the previous MVP “Pittsburgh,” by way of Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette:
“Yeah, earlier than there was Bonds and Griffey and all these guys and Stargell, it was Willie Mays. Willie Mays, he was the man who earlier than Rickey Henderson, earlier than all these nice middle fielders even, there was Willie Mays. He was a pioneer for the sport. He was a man who. was very lucky to be on the Giants. And actually, that was type of one of many issues that had me fairly excited going to the Giants was to know I used to be going to be round folks like Willie McCovey and Willie Mays and Barry Bonds and people guys. So, his legacy goes to stay on.
“Anybody who’s ever are available contact with Mays for even a day, they will have a narrative. They will have one thing. My nickname was “Pittsburgh”. That was my nickname to him. He’d at all times name me Pittsburgh. Paid consideration to loads of the video games that we performed in, talked to him each time I bought the prospect. I am fairly certain each time. He in all probability bought bored with me. However anytime I had a possibility to be round him, I used to be going to be round him.”
Willie Mays’ astonishing profession earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. (Photograph by Win McNamee/Getty Photos)
On social media, reactions included various Black baseball gamers and longtime San Francisco Chronicle Giants write John Shea, who was a pal of Mays and co-writer of his autobiography.
R.I.P to Willie Mays! There’s nice gamers after which there’s True Legends. God Bless🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 19, 2024
Relaxation in peace to the good Willie Mays! It was a pleasure to satisfy you and sit and decide your mind for only a few hours. Thanks for uplifting our recreation, your legacy won’t be forgotten!
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) June 19, 2024
I’ll always remember this present day after I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”
RIP Willie Mays. You modified the sport perpetually and impressed children like me to chase our dream. Thanks for every part that you just did on and off the sphere. At all times in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays #24 was a legend amongst legends. I’m blessed to have spent a number of weeks round Willie and I can let you know this, baseball lived deep within his coronary heart and he may trash speak with the very best of them! Thanks Willie 🙏🏾🕊️ #restinparadise
— JIMMY ROLLINS (@JimmyRollins11) June 19, 2024
My coronary heart is damaged. All our hearts are damaged. The world misplaced an absolute hero and treasure. The fantastic Willie Mays, a pal to all, died at present. Peacefully. Two days earlier than the large day at Rickwood Area. Biggest, most fun participant ever. He modified the world. He was 93.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) June 19, 2024
