Hall of Famer, and New York/San Francisco Giants legend Wille Mays has passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday.
Known as the "Say Hey Kid," Mays' combination of talent, exuberance and drive made him one of baseball's greatest and most beloved players.
"My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. 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," son Michael Mays said.
"All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began. Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast in New York and San Francisco, Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime... We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said.
Mays told NPR in 2010...
"When I played ball, I tried to make sure everybody enjoyed what I was doing. I made the clubhouse guy fit fit me a cap that when I ran, the wind gets up in the bottom and it flies off. People love that kind of stuff."
Over his 22 MLB seasons...
.301 AVG, 3,293 Hits, 525 Doubles, 141 Triples, 660 HR's 1,909 RBI's, 2,08 Runs Scored, 1,468 BB, 339 SB
Rookie of the Year in 1951
Hall of Fame in 1979
2 MVP Awards (1954, 1965)
24 All-Stars
2 All-Stars MVP's (1963, 1968)
12 Gold Glove Awards
World Series Champion in 1954
AP Male Athlete of the Year in 1954
Roberto Clemente Award in 1971
By - SC
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