Sports world reacts to death of Willie Mays
October 31, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants former center fielder Willie Mays waves to the crowd while riding in a car during the World Series victory parade at Market Street. The Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers in a four-game sweep to win the 2012 World Series. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball fans and players came together on Tuesday to mourn the death and celebrate the life of MLB icon Willie Mays.
Mays died peacefully Tuesday at the age of 93. The San Francisco Giants announced the news via a post on X.
Mays received an outpouring of tributes from various sports icons shortly after news of his death went public.
Former MLB stars like Derek Jeter, Jose Canseco, CC Sabathia, and Frank Thomas paid homage to Mays on social media.
One of the best to ever play the game
Rest in Peace Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/JaTr7BRP8T
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) June 19, 2024
I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”
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… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
R.I.P to Willie Mays! There’s great players and then there’s True Legends. God Bless
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 19, 2024
One of the best to ever play the game and even a better person. Thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family and loved ones. https://t.co/kiyCbfBqOi
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) June 19, 2024
Several MLB teams were still playing when Mays’ death was announced. A few broadcasts were able to honor Mays while on air.
Longtime Giants announcer Jon Miller took a moment to break the news to viewers. Former MVP-turned-Mets-broadcaster Keith Hernandez, who entered the majors a year after Mays retired, shared a heartfelt moment he once had with the “Say Hey Kid.”
Jon Miller took a moment during the broadcast to acknowledge the passing of Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/4ZcXDouOfZ
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 19, 2024
"I got to tell him he was the greatest player I ever saw"
Keith Hernandez recalls his meetings with Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/j6BEI063fk
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 19, 2024
Mays also received love from some other notable figures.
The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers.The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play. pic.twitter.com/FTNSc99Kh1
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 19, 2024
I'm devastated to hear about the passing of the legendary Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the main reasons I fell in love with baseball. Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 19, 2024
Mays’ list of accolades stacks up with any player in MLB history. Mays earned 24 All-Star nods and won 2 NL MVP awards throughout his career spanning over two decades. He led the league in home runs 4 times and also won the batting title in 1954 during his first MVP season.
Mays spent most of his career with the Giants franchise, playing for the organization from 1951 to 1972. Mays started his MLB journey in New York before the franchise moved to San Francisco in 1958.
Mays was traded to the New York Mets midway through the 1972 season. He retired after the 1973 campaign at the age of 42. Both the Giants and Mets have retired Mays’ jersey.
Before being called up to the majors, Mays began his career playing for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.
Mays was supposed to make an appearance at a tribute game Thursday between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala. The event was organized to honor Mays and the Negro Leagues. The Alabama native announced on Monday — a day before his death — that he was instead planning to enjoy the game from his San Francisco home.
