The San Francisco Giants announced in a statement that Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays has passed away at the age of 93.
“My father passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved,” his son, Michael Mays, said. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the unwavering love you showed my father over the years. You all meant life to him.”
The San Francisco Giants In a statement Mays died Tuesday afternoon. The statement did not give a cause of death.
“Today we lost a true legend,” Giants chairman Greg Johnson said in a statement. “Among baseball’s greats, Willie Mays stood out with his extraordinary combination of talent, sharp intellect, showmanship and boundless joy.”
According to the release, Mays joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948 at age 16. After graduating from high school in 1950, his contract was bought out by the New York Giants, who moved to San Francisco in 1958.
He spent most of 1951 and all of 1952 in the Army before returning to the major leagues in 1954. That year, the Giants won the World Series, and Mays became known for his defensive splendor. As “The Catch”.
He played 21 seasons with the Giants and was an All-Star 24 times, finishing his major league career with the New York Mets in the 1972 and 1973 seasons. Awarded In 2015 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Associated Press It was reported Monday that Mays will not attend the game honoring him and the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field later this week between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. said Thursday’s game will be in Mays’ honor.
“Thursday’s game at historic Rickwood Field was planned to celebrate Willie Mays and his cohorts. While the sadness remains in our hearts, the game will be a national memorial for an American who will forever remain on the short list of the most influential figures in the history of our great sport,” he said. In a statement.
