Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid,” whose singular combination of talent, drive, and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93.
Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had died earlier in the afternoon.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” son Michael Mays said in a statement released by the club. “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.”
The Hall of Famer is a home run-hitting legend.
He hit more than 600 home runs and more than 3,000 hits. Willie Mays was an icon during the Civil Rights movement. He dealt with terrible racism in his time with grace and fortitude.
He was a great person.
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so very SAD! not a shock, given his 93 years on earth. My ALL-TIME favorite! And there was no number 2; back in those days it was in a way almost like there were no ‘races’ (in my mind at least) – there was Willie Mays and there was everyone else!
He excelled in everything…batting average, stolen bases, power (when he finished playing, he was number 2 on the all time home run list, behind only Ruth). A tremendous credit to ‘baseball’ (the LONG career, the statistics, the enthusiasm, the leadership…and yes – a such a gracious human being! Rest in peace, sir! i hope to see you again
the title to the article…’…baseball hero…’ would MUCH more appropriately be ‘classy baseball legend…’; or even ‘much loved……’; good overview though….
aside from his enthusiasm and charisma, Willie explained things simply: they hit it, he CAUGHT it; they threw it – he HIT it!!