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Willie Mays has died – dead at age 93

June 18, 2024
by Larry Brown
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Willie Mays
Willie Mays raises his hand

Aug 11, 2018; San Francisco, CA, USA; Former San Francisco Giants great Willie Mays speaks at the ceremony to retire the number 25 of his godson, Barry Bonds, before a Major League Baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Willie Mays, one of the greatest players in baseball history, has died at the age of 93.

The San Francisco Giants announced the news on Tuesday, saying that Mays died peacefully.

“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Willie’s adopted son Michael Mays said. “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 played most of his career with the Giants franchise (1951-1972), beginning in New York and then moving to San Francisco. He finished his career playing two seasons with the New York Mets (1972-1973). He is regarded as one of the best all-around players of all time, possessing all five tools — the ability to hit for average, power, speed, defensive ability and throwing ability.

Mays was a four-time home run king and 1-time batting champion. He led the league in on-base percentage twice, and both slugging percentage and OPS five times. He was a premier defensive player in center field and won 12 Gold Glove awards, in addition to Rookie of the Year and NL MVP twice. Mays was the first player ever to hit 300 home runs and steal 300 bases in a career. He was the second player ever to hit 600 career home runs.

Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, which was his first year of eligibility.

Known as the “Say Hey Kid,” Mays’ most memorable highlight came when he made a spectacular catch over his head in the 1954 World Series: