Willie Mays, one of baseball’s greatest icons, passed away at the age of 93, the San Francisco Giants announced on Tuesday. Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays thrilled fans with his extraordinary power, speed, and defensive prowess throughout his 22-season career.
Mays made his major league debut with the New York Giants in 1951 and became a cornerstone for the team when they moved to San Francisco. He concluded his career with the New York Mets in 1973. As a “five-tool” player, Mays excelled in hitting for average, hitting for power, base running, fielding, and throwing.
Mays’ career statistics are remarkable: a .301 batting average, 660 home runs, 3,293 hits, 1,909 RBIs, and 2,068 runs scored. He also set defensive records with 7,112 putouts as an outfielder and won 12 Gold Glove awards. His over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series remains one of baseball’s most memorable plays.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Mays was a pioneer for African American players, having started in the Negro Leagues before joining Major League Baseball. He served in the Korean War and was later honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015 for his contributions to civil rights and sports.
Mays’ death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the baseball community and beyond, remembering him not only for his talent but also for his warmth and humility. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Mays as “one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.”
Willie Mays leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of baseball players and fans.