Willie Mays, Baseball Hall of Famer, Dead at 93

Willie Maysone of the greatest baseball players of all time, has died at the age of 93.

The San Francisco Giants announced on Tuesday, June 18, that the Hall of Famer passed away “peacefully this afternoon.”

The team shared this news X One post included a photo of Willie, nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid,” in his Giants uniform with the tribute, “Forever Giant.”

No cause of death has yet been confirmed.

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With the Giants’ announcement, Willie’s son Michael MaysThis also included a statement from the athlete’s family.

“My father passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones,” Michael, whom Willie shared with his wife, May Louise Allen, who died in 2013, said. “From the bottom of my broken heart I want to thank you for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”

Willie played professional baseball for four decades, beginning his career in the late 1940s and ending with the New York Mets in 1972.

During this time, he spent 21 years with the New York Giants, which later became the San Francisco Giants.

Willey was known as an all-round bowler who “could hit, run, field and throw with equal confidence”, as summarised the new York TimesHe was a 24-time All-Star and retired with 660 career home runs.

Major League Baseball Commissioner, Rob ManfredToo issued a statement on Tuesday.

“All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we gather in the same ballpark where a career and legacy began that was like no other,” the statement said. “Willie Mays brought his all-around talent 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 found its place as our national pastime.”

According to Wins Above Replacement (WAR) baseball statistics, Willie won the NL MVP award twice and was named the best player in the National League nine times.

In 2015, Willie was honored by former President Barack Obama He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, at the White House. He was also the focus of a 2022 HBO documentary titled, Say hey, Willie Mays!

The sports star remained involved in the Giants community well into his final years, frequently visiting Oracle Park in San Francisco, the Giants’ home ballpark, where a bronze statue was erected in his honor in March 2000.

He is survived by his son Michael and godson. barry bonds,