Willie Mays, regarded by many sports fans as the one of the greatest baseball players to ever take the field, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Tuesday. The San Francisco Giants organization announced the news on behalf of the Mays family and released a statement in addition to Mays’ son, Michael. Mays began his professional career in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons, playing games at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala. Major League Baseball is preparing to play a game at the ballpark for the first time this Thursday featuring the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael Mays said in a statement. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”
“Today we have lost a true legend”, Greg Johnson, chairman of the San Francisco Giants, said in a statement. “In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays’ combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant. He had a profound influence not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Chris Dimino, radio host at 680 The Fan in Atlanta, Ga., had the opportunity to interview Mays about his career and baseball a few years ago. The station will air several portions of the interview throughout Wednesday morning, and following the Braves game this afternoon, the conversation in its entirety. The interview aired two weeks ago as part of the Saturday morning baseball show, Hardball, in which Dimino speaks with legends of the game and chronicles their careers.
Mays, who was known as the “Say Hey Kid” throughout his career in baseball, won the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year award as a member of the New York Giants. During his 23 seasons playing professional baseball, he showcased his skills as a five-tool player with his abilities to hit, field and run. His 24 All-Star selections are tied for the most all-time, and he helped lead the Giants to the 1954 World Series championship by hitting .345 with 41 home runs and 110 runs batted in. After 21 years with the Giants organization, Mays played the final two seasons of his career with the New York Mets and ultimately had his No. 24 retired by both franchises.
“All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast in New York and San Francisco, Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime.”
