Willie Mays in his last year as a San Francisco Giant in 1972 just before being traded to the New York Mets. (AP News file photo)
By Stephen Ruderman
Giants legend Willie Mays, arguably the greatest baseball player who has ever lived, died this afternoon at the age of 93.
The news was announced this evening by his son, Michael.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” said Michael Mays 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.”
Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931 in the town of Westfield, Alabama. Mays fell in love with baseball as a kid, as he watched his dad, Cat, play center field. That made the young Mays want to be a ballplayer himself.
Mays began his professional career in 1948 with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos in the Negro minor leagues. Later that summer, Mays joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League. Mays helped the Black Barons in their run to the Negro World Series that year, where they lost the series four games to one to the Homestead Grays.
Mays spent a total of 22 seasons in the major leagues, coming up with the New York Giants in 1951. Mays played for the Giants in 1951 and 1952, and from 1954 to 1972, when the then-San Francisco Giants traded Mays to the New York Mets. Mays played the remainder 1972 and all of 1973 with the Mets.
Mays appeared in four world series (1951, 1954, 1962 and 1973), and won the World Series in 1954, when he made possibly the most iconic catch in Baseball History in Game 1.
Mays, a 24-time all-star, hit .302 with 660 home runs in his 22-year career.
“Today we have lost a true legend,” said Giants Chairman Greg Johnson. “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.”
“I fell in love with baseball because of Willie, plain and simple,” said Giants CEO Larry Baer. My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my Dad, watching Willie patrol center field with grace and the ultimate athleticism. Over the past 30 years, working with Willie, and seeing firsthand his zest for life and unbridled passion for giving to young players and kids, has been one of the joys of my life.”
Mays passed away peacefully at a care home in Palo Alto, California, where he was surrounded by his family.
Sports Radio Service 