Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93.
Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had “passed away peacefully” Tuesday afternoon surrounded by loved ones.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport,” Major League Baseball posted on social media.
“The center fielder was baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. His signature basket catch and his dashes around the bases with his cap flying off personified the joy of the game. His over-the shoulder catch of a long drive in the 1954 World Series is baseball’s most celebrated defensive feat.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement.
“His incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable,” said. “We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field.”
The reaction spread through social media Tuesday night.
“I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, ‘That’s that boy who wears his hat like this,’” CC Sabathia posted. “RIP, Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts.”
Added Jose Canseco, “One of the best to ever play the game.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
