After hearing that Hall of Famer Willie Mays had died, the baseball world shared their sadness.
The news of Mays’ death at age 93 came out for the first time on Tuesday evening.
A tweet from the San Francisco Giants, where he played most of his MLB career, told everyone about the news.
A source told the Giants that Mays’ son Michael said, “My father has died peacefully and with loved ones by his side.”
Through my broken heart, I want to thank you all for the love you have shown him over the years. “You have given him life.”
Mays was the oldest baseball Hall of Famer who was still alive.
No one knows what killed him.
The news hit baseball fans hard, and there were a lot of tributes on X, which used to be called Twitter.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, “Today, all of Major League Baseball is in mourning….we are here at the ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began.”
He then said that Mays was a “true Giant on and off the field.”
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Willie’s family, his baseball friends, all Giants fans, and all of his many fans around the world.”
“The game on Thursday at historic Rickwood Field was meant to honor Willie Mays and his teammates.”
“With sadness in our hearts, it will now also serve as a national remembrance of an American who will forever remain on the short list of the most impactful individuals our great game has ever known.”
Sports legend and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson also went on X to say how sorry he was.
“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,” he said.
“Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
The New York Mets’ owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alex also said something to honor one of their team’s all-time greats.
“Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game,” they added.
The last game of Willie’s Hall of Fame career was in Queens. He was an important part of the NL championship team in 1973.
“Mays played with more style and grace than anyone else.”
“Alex and I were thrilled to keep a promise made by Joan Payson to retire his famous #24 Mets uniform in 2022.
“On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie’s family and friends.”
Mays’ death was announced the day after it was said that he would not be at the Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on Thursday at the historic Rickwood Field.
ESPN says the game will be held at the 114-year-old venue to honor the Negro League.
This year, Mays said, “I won’t be able to make it to Birmingham, but I will watch the game here in the Bay Area.”
“I will always remember the Negro League baseball players, including all of my Black Barons teammates. My heart goes out to everyone who is honoring them.”
“I’d like to thank Major League Baseball, the Giants, the Cardinals, and all the fans who are going to visit Rickwood or watch the game.”
“It’ll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it.”
When Mays first turned pro, it was in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League.
After a short time in the minor leagues, “The Say Hey Kid” made his Major League Baseball debut in 1951 with the New York Giants.
He then joined the US Army and missed most of the 1952 season and all of 1953 before coming back.
After that, Mays played for 20 straight seasons, following the Giants to San Francisco in 1958 when they moved.
He was traded to the Mets during the 1972 season and ended his Major League Baseball career in the city where it all began. He retired after the Mets lost the World Series to the Oakland Athletics.
Mays is remembered as one of the best baseball players of all time. He was an All-Star 24 times, won the Gold Glove Award 12 times, was named National League MVP twice, and won the World Series in 1954.
Mays retired after 3,005 professional games in which he scored 2,068 runs, got 3,293 hits, and hit 660 home runs.
