Willie Mays’ death was announced Tuesday at 5:52 PM PT by the San Francisco Giants, his team of 21 seasons. What followed showed the full force of his legacy not only as an inner-circle Hall of Famer, but as an integral part of baseball’s rich history.
Mays’ death at age 93 caused a reaction in the baseball world, which first reached the Giants’ broadcast.
“We are very sad to now pass on this information just released by the Giants that the great Willie Mays has passed away,” Giants play-by-play Jon Miller said. “Died peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93.”
“We are deeply saddened to pass on this information just released by the Giants. That the great Willie Mays has passed away. Passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93.”
Jon Miller announces the passing of the legendary Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/p8s6MNszZw
— Terrible announcement (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
The Giants also included a statement from Mays’ son Michael, who thanked fans for the support they showed his father:
“My father passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael Mays said. “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 lifeblood.”
MLB quickly released a statement from commissioner Rob Manfred, saying: “[Mays’] incredible feats and statistics do not describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable.” It wasn’t long before California Governor Gavin Newsom followed by his own statement.
Former President Barack Obama, who awarded Mays the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, also tweeted his praise:
Willie Mays wasn’t just a special athlete, blessed with an unparalleled combination of grace, skill and strength. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person – and an inspiration to an entire generation. I’m fortunate to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I… pic.twitter.com/tpO3O9B9yc
– Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2024
Barry Bonds, for whom Willie Mays was godfather during his time alongside Bobby Bonds, responded on Instagram:
I am beyond devastated and overwhelmed with emotions. 💔 I have no words to describe what you mean to me – you helped shape me into who I am today. Thank you for being my godfather and always being there. Give my father a hug from me.
Rest in Peace Willie, I love you forever. #SayHey ⚾️
Mays’ mortality numbers will weigh heavily on Thursday’s MLB game at Rickwood Field. The Giants will face the St. Louis Cardinals at the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, where Mays played before signing with the Giants in 1950. The Giants released a statement from Mays on Monday explaining that he would not be able to attend because “I am not moving as well as I used to.”
Rickwood Field was actually hosting a minor league game between the Birmingham Barons (named after Mays’ hometown team) and the Montgomery Biscuits when Mays’ death was announced. The result was a standing ovation from a crowd momentarily stunned by the news:
MLB Network broadcaster Rich Waltz could be heard battling his emotions as he read the Giants’ announcement during the game.
Many more people responded in the following hours. New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez, who watched Mays play during his brief career with the then-nascent Mets, was close to tears as he recalled meeting the legend:
“I’ve been to Shea Stadium when he was younger, and I was also in his company when he was older and he was completely blind. What always came out, and he was the Say Hey kid, he had that exuberant personality, infectious and sincere, I had to tell him he was the best player I have ever seen.”
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen also spoke about his encounter with Mays, who reportedly called the former MVP “Pittsburgh,” via Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
“Yes, before there was Bonds and Griffey and all these guys and Stargell, it was Willie Mays. Willie Mays, he was the man who before Rickey Henderson, even before all these great midfielders, was Willie Mays. He was a pioneer for the game. He was a guy who was fortunate enough to play for the Giants. And honestly, that was one of the things that got me pretty excited about going to the Giants, because I knew I was going to be around people like Willie. McCovey and Willie Mays and Barry Bonds and those guys.
“Anyone who ever came into contact with Mays for a day will have a story. They’ll have something. My nickname was ‘Pittsburgh’. That was my nickname for him. He always called I Pittsburgh. I paid a lot of attention to the games we played in, and talked to him every time I got a chance. I’m pretty sure he got tired of him every time I would be around him.”
Reactions on social media included a number of black baseball players and longtime San Francisco Chronicle Giants writer John Shea, who was a friend of Mays and co-author of his autobiography.
RIP to Willie Mays! There are great players and then there is True Legends. God bless 🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 19, 2024
Rest in peace to the great Willie Mays! It was a pleasure to meet you and sit and think for a few hours. Thank you for inspiring our game, your legacy will not be forgotten!
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) June 19, 2024
I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “That’s the boy wearing his hat like that.”
RIP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything you have done on and off the field. Always in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays #24 was a legend among legends. I was blessed to spend a few weeks with Willie and I can tell you this: Baseball was deep in his heart and he could talk to the best of them! Thanks Willie 🙏🏾🕊️ #rest in paradise
— JIMMY ROLLINS (@JimmyRollins11) June 19, 2024
My heart is broken. All our hearts are broken. The world lost an absolute hero and treasure. The great Willie Mays, a friend to all, passed away today. Peaceful. Two days before the big day at Rickwood Field. The greatest, most exciting player ever. He changed the world. He was 93.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) June 19, 2024
