Baseball Legend Willie Mays Dies at 93

On Tuesday afternoon, Willie Mays, a celebrated figure with the Giants and former Mets outfielder, passed away at the age of 93.

“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. 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 life’s blood,” Mays’ son Michael said in a statement released by the Giants.

Mays, whose No. 24 was retired by the Mets in 2022, is remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

The iconic outfielder began his career with the New York Giants as a 20-year-old phenom, winning the Rookie of the Year in 1951.

After a hiatus in 1953 to serve in the U.S. Military, Mays returned to the diamond and continued to excel, capturing his first of two MVP awards by driving in 110 runs and propelling the Giants to the World Series.

Spending 21 seasons with the Giants, Mays was traded to the Mets midway through the 1972 season, where he concluded his illustrious career, contributing significantly to the 1973 NL championship team.

Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays played with a distinctive style, finishing his career with impressive statistics: a .301 batting average, 525 doubles, 141 triples, 660 home runs, 1,909 RBI, and 339 stolen bases.

He was renowned for his extraordinary defensive abilities, earning 24 All-Star selections, 12 Gold Glove awards, and induction into the Hall of Fame.

“Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game,” read a statement from Steve and Alex Cohen. “Willie ended his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key piece to the 1973 NL championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no one else. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise from Joan Payson to retire his iconic #24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie’s family and friends.”

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also expressed condolences, saying, “All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today… Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime.”

The legacy of Willie Mays transcends statistics, as his impact on the game and on those who watched him play will forever be remembered and cherished.