Willie Mays, the legendary outfielder for the Giants and former Mets player, passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday afternoon.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. 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,” said Mays’ son Michael in a statement released by the Giants.
Mays, whose No. 24 was retired by the Mets in 2022, is recognized as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
The legendary outfielder began his career with the New York Giants at age 20 and quickly made an impact, earning the Rookie of the Year title in 1951.
After missing the 1953 season to serve in the U.S. Military, he returned and won his first of two MVP awards, driving in 110 runs and helping the Giants reach the World Series.
Mays spent 21 seasons with the Giants before being traded to the Mets midway through the 1972 season. He played the final two years of his career with the Mets and was a key player on the 1973 NL championship team.
Nicknamed the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays finished his career with a .301 batting average, 525 doubles, 141 triples, 660 home runs, 1,909 RBIs, and 339 stolen bases.
He was a 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove award winner, two-time MVP, and a Hall of Famer. He made one of the most memorable defensive plays in baseball history.
“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. 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,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.
“His incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable. We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Willie’s family, his friends across our game, Giants fans everywhere, and his countless admirers across the world.”
“Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game,” read a statement from Steve and Alex Cohen. “Willie ended his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key piece to the 1973 NL championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no one else. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise from Joan Payson to retire his iconic #24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie’s family and friends.”
