"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," stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Willie Mays, one of baseball's most celebrated icons, passed away on June 18, 2024, in Paolo Alto, California, at the age of 93.
"I join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players ever and a respected figure around the world," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "My thoughts are with his loved ones."
Willie Howard Mays Junior was born in 1931 in Westfield, Alabama.
"Legend has it that he began walking at six months and quickly gravitated to chasing a baseball around the house," wrote the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on its official website.
Mays made his debut in organized baseball in 1948 for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League. He signed for the New York Giants in 1950 as a 19-year-old for a US$4,000 bonus.
Mays made his MLB debut in 1954, leading the Giants to the 1954 World Series. During that Fall Classic, he made one of the most memorable plays of all time on Polo Ground's deep centre field. It would go down to history books such as The Catch. Mays earned the World Series MVP honours.
Mays stayed with the Giants as they relocated to San Francisco (1968) and played for them until 1972. After appearing in 19 games in 1972, he was traded to the New York Mets. He would appear in 66 games for the Mets in 1973, his final season.
His career line is extraordinary: 3,005 games, 3,293 hits, 660 home runs, a .301 batting average and 338 stolen bases. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Mays was a 24-time All-Star and a 12-time gold glove centre fielder.
"I can't very well tell my batters don't hit it to him. Wherever they hit it, he's there anyway," said Brooklyn Dodgers All-Star first baseman and later Washington Senators and New York Mets manager Gil Hodges (1924-1972).
Mays was considered the "quintessential monument to charisma" and nicknamed the Say Hey Kid. Actress Tallulah Bankhead reportedly said: "The only two geniuses in the world" were Willie Mays and William Shakespeare.
"All of Major League Baseball is mourning today," stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. " 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."
On Thursday, June 20, the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants will play at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the home of the Black Barons.
"Thursday’s game at historic Rickwood Field was designed to be a celebration of Willie Mays and his peers. With sadness in our hearts, it will now also serve as a national remembrance of an American who will forever remain on the short list of the most impactful individuals our great game has ever known," commented Manfred.
