Willie Mays, Baseball Icon and "Say Hey Kid," Dies at 93"

June 18, 2024 – Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players in history, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. His death was confirmed by the San Francisco Giants, the franchise with which he became synonymous. Mays, whose electrifying talent and exuberant personality earned him the nickname "The Say Hey Kid," leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in sports and American culture.  

A Legendary Career

Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Willie Howard Mays Jr. rose from the segregated South to become a transcendent figure in Major League Baseball. He began his professional career in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons before signing with the New York Giants in 1950.  

Mays made his MLB debut in 1951, winning the Rookie of the Year award and helping the Giants to a historic pennant victory with his sensational play. After missing nearly two seasons due to military service (1952–53), he returned in 1954 with one of the greatest individual seasons in baseball history, capturing the NL MVP and making "The Catch"—his iconic over-the-shoulder grab in Game 1 of the World Series against Cleveland.  

Over his 23-year career (mostly with the Giants, first in New York and later in San Francisco), Mays amassed staggering statistics:  

660 home runs (6th all-time at retirement, now 5th)  

3,283 hits

302 career batting average

12 Gold Gloves (despite the award not existing until his sixth season)  

24 All-Star selections(most ever at retirement)  

2 NL MVP awards (1954, 1965)

His combination of power, speed, defensive brilliance, and baseball IQ made him the prototype of the "five-tool player."  

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Mays was more than a ballplayer—he was a cultural icon. At a time when Black athletes still faced discrimination, his excellence and charisma helped break barriers. He mentored younger players, including Barry Bonds (his godson), and remained a beloved figure long after retirement.  

In 1979, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot. His No. 24 jersey was retired by the Giants, and he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.  

Tributes Pour In  

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: "Willie Mays was the embodiment of greatness. His impact on the game and its fans is immeasurable."  

Barry Bonds: "He was my hero, then my mentor, and always my family. Baseball lost a part of its soul today."  

Dusty Baker (former teammate): "He played the game with joy, and that’s how we should remember him."  

 Final Years

In recent years, Mays remained active in Giants ceremonies but had health struggles, missing the 2023 "Rickwood Field" tribute game in his native Alabama. Yet his influence never waned—his name remains synonymous with baseball brilliance.  

Funeral arrangements are pending, but the Giants announced plans for a public memorial. Mays is survived by his son, Michael.  

The Lasting Memory

Willie Mays wasn’t just a player; he was magic on the field. From "The Catch" to his 600th homer, he made the impossible look routine. As he once said: *"They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it."* And for 93 years, he did it better than almost anyone who ever lived.  

Rest in Power, Say Hey Kid. ⚾