Willie Mays, the 'Say Hey Kid' who was one of baseball's greatest players, dies aged 93
Updated 19/06/2024 at 08:50 GMT+1
Baseball is mourning the death of former New York/San Francisco Giants centre fielder Willie Mays. The Hall of Famer hit 660 home runs during his career and had 3,293 hits. He was a 24-time All Star and his memorable catch helped the Giants win the 1954 World Series. MLB said they were "heartbroken" after losing "one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport".
Willie Mays
Image credit: Getty Images
All-time baseball great Willie Mays has died at the age of 93.
Centre fielder Mays, nicknamed the ‘Say Hey Kid’, spent almost all of his 22-year MLB career with the New York/San Francisco Giants.
He had a batting average of .301, hit 660 home runs, had 3,293 hits, and was a 24-time All Star.
He is one of only four players to record more than 600 home runs and 3,000 hits and was voted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1979.
Mays’ death was confirmed by his son Michael in a statement through the San Francisco Giants.
"My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones," he 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 made his professional debut in 1948 and his most famous moment came in Game One of the 1954 World Series.
With the score level at 2-2 at the top of the eighth inning and two runners on base for the Cleveland Indians, Mays raced back towards the wall and caught a ball over his shoulder. He also managed to quickly turn and prevent a run coming home.
The Giants went on to win 5-2 in 10 innings and secured the World Series, the only time Mays did so in his career.
Mays’ game-defining moment is known as 'The Catch'.
Giants chairman Greg Johnson said: "He had a profound influence not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America.
"He was an inspiration and a hero who will be forever remembered and deeply missed."
Mays was nicknamed the 'Say Hey Kid' reportedly because of his spirited way of greeting his teammates.
MLB said they were "heartbroken" after losing "one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport".
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