The dying of Willie Mays was introduced by the San Francisco Giants, his workforce of 21 seasons, at 5:52 pm PT on Tuesday. What adopted confirmed the complete drive of a legacy not simply as a member of the Corridor of Fame's interior circle, however an integral a part of baseball's wealthy historical past.
Mays' dying at 93 sparked a response all through the baseball world, with the Giants broadcasting for the primary time.
“We’re very unhappy now to go on this info that has simply been launched by the Giants, that the good Willie Mays has handed away,” Giants play-by-play Jon Miller introduced. “He handed away this afternoon on the age of 93.”
“We’re very unhappy now to share this info that has simply been launched by the Giants. That the good Willie Mays has handed away. He handed away peacefully this afternoon on the age of 93.”
Jon Miller broadcasts the passing of the legendary Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/p8s6MNszZw
— Terrible Asserting (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
The Giants additionally included a press release from Mays' son, Michael, who thanked followers for his or her assist of his father:
“My father died peacefully and surrounded by family members,” stated Michael Mays. “I need to thanks all from the underside of my damaged coronary heart for the unwavering love you’ve gotten proven her through the years. You had been his life blood.”
MLB rapidly launched a press release from commissioner Rob Manfred, saying [Mays’] unimaginable accomplishments and stats don't start to explain the awe that got here with watching Willie Mays dominate the sport in each means conceivable.” It wasn't lengthy earlier than California Governor Gavin Newsom he was giving his own statement.
Barry Bonds, who Willie Mays was godfather to whereas enjoying with Bobby Bonds, responded by way of Instagram:
I’m past devastated and overwhelmed with emotion. 💔 I’ve no phrases to explain what you imply to me – you helped me be who I’m at present. Thanks for being my Godfather and all the time being there. Give my dad a hug for me.
Relaxation in peace Willie, I like you without end. #SayHey ⚾️
Mays' dying looms massive within the upcoming recreation at Rickwood Area, the place the Giants are scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals on the residence of the Black League Birmingham Black Barons, the place Mays performed earlier than signing with the Giants in 1950. The Giants launched a press release from Mays a day earlier explaining that he wouldn’t be capable to attend as a result of he “doesn't I transfer in addition to earlier than.”
Rickwood Area was truly internet hosting a minor league recreation when Mays' dying was introduced, between the Birmingham Barons (named after Mays' hometown workforce) and the Montgomery Biscuits.
MLB Community broadcaster Wealthy Waltz could possibly be heard combating again his feelings as he learn the Giants' announcement in the course of the recreation.
Many, many extra individuals responded within the hours that adopted. New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez, who watched Mets play throughout his transient profession with the then-instaters, was near tears as he recalled assembly the legend:
“I went to Shea Stadium when he was youthful and I used to be in his firm when he was older and he was fully blind. What all the time got here out, and he was the Say Hey child, he had that bubbly, contagious persona and I've acquired to inform him he was the best participant I've ever seen.”
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen additionally spoke about his time with Mays, who reportedly nicknamed the previous MVP “Pittsburgh,” by way of Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette:
“Yeah, earlier than there was Bonds and Griffey and all these guys and Stargell, there was Willie Mays. Willie Mays, he was the man that earlier than Rickey Henderson, even earlier than all these nice heart fielders, was Willie Mays. He was a pioneer. for the sport He was a man who was very fortunate to be on the Giants. And truthfully, that was one of many issues that excited me about going to the Giants. Willie McCovey and Willie Mays and Barry Bonds and people guys. So his legacy will dwell on.
“Anybody who has ever come into contact with Mays for even a day could have a narrative. He could have one thing. My nickname was “Pittsburgh.” That was my nickname for him. She all the time referred to as him. Me, Pittsburgh, I paid consideration to loads of video games that I performed in, I talked to him each time, he most likely acquired uninterested in me, I used to be going to be round him.”
On social media, backlash included a variety of black baseball gamers and longtime San Francisco Chronicle Giants author John Shea, who was a pal of Mays and co-wrote his autobiography.
RIP Willie Mays! There are nice gamers after which there are True Legends. God bless 🙏🏾
– Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 19, 2024
Relaxation in peace to the good Willie Mays! It was a pleasure assembly you and sitting and selecting your mind for only a few hours. Thanks for uplifting our recreation, your legacy won’t be forgotten!
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) June 19, 2024
I'll always remember today after I walked in and heard, “It's that boy who wears his hat like that.”
RIP Willie Mays. You modified the sport without end and impressed children like me to comply with our dream. Thanks for all you’ve gotten finished on and off the sphere. At all times in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays #24 was a legend amongst legends. I’m blessed to have spent a number of weeks round Willie and I can inform you this, baseball lived deep in his coronary heart and he may discuss to the perfect of them! Thanks Willie 🙏🏾🕊️ #restinparadise
— JIMMY ROLLINS (@JimmyRollins11) June 19, 2024
My coronary heart is damaged. All our hearts are damaged. The world has misplaced an absolute hero and a treasure. The fantastic Willie Mays, a pal to all, died at present. Peaceable. Two days earlier than the large day at Rickwood Area. The best, most fun participant ever. He modified the world. He was 93 years previous.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) June 19, 2024