“Legendary baseball player William Mays dies at age 93”
Legendary baseball personality Willie Mays, who was seen as a giant in the sports world, passed away Thursday at the age of 93. Mays, who was considered one of the greatest baseball players in history, leaves behind his family and his former team, the San Francisco Giants. “My father passed away peacefully, surrounded by his closest friends. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the unceasing love and support you gave him over the years. He was your source of energy,” Michael Mays said in a tense statement released by the Giants.
Mays left a lasting mark that reached far beyond the baseball field. “We have lost a legend. He made a powerful impact not only on baseball but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration, a hero, someone we will miss forever and deeply,” said Giants chairman Greg Johnson.
As a player, Mays was known for his extraordinary ability, bright mind, charm and endless fun. MLB President Rob Manfred honored Mays as a star who inspired countless athletes and fans.
Mays, affectionately known as “Say Hey Kid,” joined the Giants, originally based in New York. The nickname is said to have come from the mouths of New York sportswriters who forgot about him during his rookie season. He debuted in the 1951 season with 20 home runs and won the Rookie of the Year trophy. Just three years later, he led the Giants to a World Series victory, the last for the franchise before moving to San Francisco.
Mays hung up his boots in 1973 and finished his career with the New York Mets after playing for the Giants from 1951 to 1972. He hit 660 home runs and ranks sixth on the MLB list. A 24-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2015, he was honored by American President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medallion.
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2024-06-22 20:31:04
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