(WGHP/AP) — Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died.
He was 93.
Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had “passed away peacefully” Tuesday afternoon surrounded by loved ones.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 07: Hall of Famer Willie Mays waves to the crowd during the pre-game celebration in honor of his 90th birthday prior to the game between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Friday, May 7, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) -
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 07: Hall of Famer Willie Mays waves to the crowd during the pre-game celebration in honor of his 90th birthday prior to the game between the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Friday, May 7, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Roy Wood, Jr. addresses the audience during the All-MLB Team Show presented by MGM Rewards at HyperX Arena on Saturday, December 16, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) -
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 02: Broadcaster Vin Scully (left) is congratulated on his final broadcast by hall of famer Willie Mays during the fourth inning between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park on October 2, 2016 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) -
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 24: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former professional baseball player Willie Mays (L) during an East Room ceremony November 24, 2015 at the White House in Washington, DC. Seventeen recipients were awarded with the nationÕs highest civilian honor. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) -
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 04: Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays applauds as U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants to the White House June 4, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals in last year’s World Series. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The full statement is provided below:
It is with great 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.
San Francisco Giants
The center fielder was baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. His signature basket catch and his dashes around the bases with his cap flying off personified the joy of the game.
His over-the-shoulder catch of a long drive in the 1954 World Series is baseball’s most celebrated defensive feat.
Over 22 seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants, Mays batted .302, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3,283 hits, scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves.
He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times.
