Baseball icon Willie Mays, one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB), appreciated for his skill and athletic grace, died Tuesday June 18, 20257 at the age of 93 , his family announced in a joint statement with his former team, the San Francisco Giants.
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“ My father passed away peacefully alongside his loved ones “said his son Michael Mays in the press release.
Giants President Greg Johnson noted that Mays, the first black player to captain a Major League club in baseball North American, had left a mark that extended well beyond his sport:
“ He had a profound influence not only on baseball, but also on the structure of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will always be remembered and deeply missed. »
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to a star who inspired “ generations of players and fans “.
It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93. pic.twitter.com/Qk4NySCFZQ
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
” A source of inspiration “
Willie Mays, affectionately known as “Say Hey Kid,” was born in Alabama in 1931 and first played baseball with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948. He was later recruited by the Giants, then based in New York, in 1950, and made his debut during the 1951 season, during which he distinguished himself by hitting 20 home runs and winning the title of Best Rookie of the Year (Rookie of the Year ).
Three years later, he helped the Giants win the World Series – the MLB finale – the franchise’s last title before it moved to San Francisco.
Willie Mays retired in 1973, finishing his career with the New York Mets, after playing with the Giants from 1951 to 1972. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2015, Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“ Willie Mays was not only a singular athlete, blessed with an unparalleled combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person, and a source of inspiration for an entire generation. », greets the former American president.
Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person – and an inspiration to an entire generation. I’m lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I… pic.twitter.com/tpO3O9B9yc
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2024