Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the greatest players in baseball history, died Tuesday at the age of 93, the San Francisco Giants announced.
Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays’ professional baseball career began For over 40 yearsHe played in the Negro Leagues in the late 1940s, eventually retiring with the New York Mets in 1972. In between, he spent a total of 21 years with the New York Giants, who later relocated to San Francisco. (RELATED: He’s back! Dick Vitale announces he’s cancer-free and will return to ESPN this fall)
During his playing career, Mays was the classic example of an elite five-tool player – a power hitter, contact hitter, speed player, defensive player and pitcher. He had 660 home runs, 525 doubles and 338 stolen bases with a career batting average of .301/.384/.557 at third base. He was the NL stolen base leader four times and the NL home run leader four times. Even more remarkable, he was turned into a double play just 45 times during his 24 years in the major leagues.
It is with deep 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
— SF Giants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
Mays is also known as one of the greatest catches, if not the greatest, in baseball history.
The greatest catch in baseball history.
May Willie Mays rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/mjeygZXJ1B
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) June 19, 2024
The “Say Hey Kid” won his only World Series title with the New York Giants in 1954.
