The San Francisco Giants have announced that MLB Legend Willie Mays Died at the age of 93. This MLB news spread quickly on Tuesday night and it didn’t take long for the tributes to start to pour in around the MLB schedule.
Son Michael Mays shared the news with the Giants and noted that the centerfielder passed away peacefully, and he was surrounded by loved ones. While there is some debate about who the best player in baseball history is, Mays is always one of the names that is at the top of the list.
His career was legendary in nearly every sense of the word, and he was a person that continued to give back to the game long after his playing career was over. Spending nearly his entire career (1951-1973) with the Giants, Willie Mays was a true giant of the game.
During his career, he was an All-Star 24 times, won 12 gold gloves, and also won the National League MVP Award twice. Willie Mays’s sensational defensive play in the 1954 World Series opener, forever known as “The Catch,” is a contender for the greatest in league history.
Barry Bonds is the godson of Mays, and he shared a touching tribute following the death. While Bonds had a tumultuous career, Mays seemingly did everything right along the way.
Sponsored Ad
Negro League Game Coming
This death couldn’t have come at a worst time as Major League Baseball is going to celebrate the Negro Leagues, and Mays this upcoming weekend. The San Francisco Giants are set to play the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, but it was already announced that Mays would not be in attendance.
Mays began his professional career with the Birmingham Black Barons at age 17, but it wasn’t long before he was able to join the Giants. He did help the Birmingham Black Barons win a Negro League World Series before moving to MLB.
The Giants faced the Cubs in Chicago on Tuesday as news from the team broke. The video board flashed breaking news, prompting a moment of silence from the crowd.
The New York Giants purchased the contract of Mays from Birmingham in 1950, and allowed him to play on the weekends while he was still attending high school. After only about 100 minor league games, he got the call to the majors.
Military service cut short his career, but he still became one of only 10 Black players in Major League history.
Sponsored Ad
A Legend Beyond the Game
It’s hard to put into words just how impactful a player he was on the field, and his numbers are among the best in league history. With 660 home runs, he enters the exclusive company of only two players with 600 homers and 300 steals.
Earning a first-ballot Hall of Fame nod in 1979, he established a yearly tradition of visiting Cooperstown. Therefore, in 2015, Mays received the Medal of Freedom, the top civilian award, from President Barack Obama.
He continued to spend time around the San Francisco Giants organization long after his playing days, and he was beloved by all those that came in contact with him. San Francisco throws a yearly celebration for Willie Mays on May 24th.
The Giants have always honored the legendary player, and their ballpark is located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
More Related News
- New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Analysis and Prediction
- 2023 NHL Playoffs: Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Betting Analysis and Picks
- AC Milan vs Inter Milan Stats and Trends
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Analysis and Prediction
- Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Picks & Parlays
Gambling Can Be Addictive: If you or someone you know has a sports gambling problem, seek help visit NCPG website.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter . Sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks. Make sure to visit the best offshore betting sites to maximize your betting experience.