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'True Giant': The world reacts to the death of icon Willie Mays

'True Giant': The world reacts to the death of icon Willie Mays
NOW. TONIGHT INSIDE RICKWOOD FIELD FANS CHEERING AND CLAPPING IN HONOR OF BASEBALL. GREAT WILLIE MAYS. GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US AT TEN. I鈥橫 SHERI FALK THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS CONFIRMED THAT MAYS PASSED AWAY TODAY OF HEART FAILURE. HE WAS 93 YEARS OLD. THE JEFFERSON COUNTY NATIVE BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE MINOR LEAGUES, BUT HIS TALENT, GRIT AND DETERMINATION PROPELLED HIM TO HEIGHTS FEW COULD EVER IMAGINE. WE HAVE TEAM COVERAGE TONIGHT ACROSS THE MAGIC CITY, AND WE WANT TO BEGIN WITH 米兰体育 13 SPORTS DIRECTOR RYAN HENNESSY RYAN. WHAT WAS THE ATMOSPHERE LIKE WHEN THE NEWS BROKE OF MAYS PASSING AT THE FIELD? HE PLAYED IN SO MANY TIMES? SHERRI DEFINITELY A MOMENT. I鈥橪L NEVER FORGET BEING HERE AT RICKWOOD FIELD, A MINOR LEAGUE GAME BETWEEN THE BIRMINGHAM BARONS AND THE MONTGOMERY BISCUITS WAS GOING ON. I WAS TALKING TO SOMEONE THAT SAID, DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS, WILLIE MAYS JUST PASSED AWAY. SOMEONE THAT GREW UP JUST MILES FROM THIS BALLPARK. YOU CAN SEE BEHIND ME THE WILLIE MAYS PAVILION THEY BUILT FOR THIS WEEK. FANS WERE FINDING OUT EVERY SINGLE MINUTE, AND YOU COULD SEE THE REACTION OVER THE FACE. WE CAUGHT VIDEO OF ONE FAN. THERE WAS A MURAL AT ONE OF THESE FENCES OF THE LEGEND WILLIE MAYS, AND HE WAS HONORING HIM AFTER HE FOUND OUT OF THE SADNESS OF HIS PASSING, SO UNIQUE THAT IT WAS JUST MILES FROM THE BALLPARK WHERE HE GREW UP. THE GENTLEMAN TOLD US THAT WILLIE MAYS JUST JUST PASSED, SO IT WAS IT WAS PRETTY, UH, A SOMBER MOMENT, A SAD MOMENT, UH, ON THIS PARTICULAR DAY THAT, UH, RICKWOOD FIELD IS BEING HONORED. UH, I GUESS THE LORD CALLED HIM HOME ON THIS DAY. SO, UM, WE鈥橰E SADDENED, BUT, UH, WE KNOW THAT HE鈥橲 IN A BETTER PLACE, SO WE JUST THANK GOD FOR HIS MEMORY AND FOR WHAT HE STOOD FOR. AS FAR AS BASEBALL AND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. WILLIE MAYS, AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND, IS 3293 HITS, OVER 650 HOME RUNS, 660 TO BE EXACT. IT鈥橲 1909 RBIS, A 24 TIME ALL-STAR, 12 GOLD GLOVES AND WE ALL KNEW HIM FOR HIS GOLDEN GLOVE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION IN 1954. INDUCTED INTO THE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME IN 1979, BUT BEING HERE THIS WEEK, IT鈥橲 JUST BEEN INCRED
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'True Giant': The world reacts to the death of icon Willie Mays
Willie Mays, an MLB legend and Birmingham's own "Say Hey Kid," has died at the age of 93.The San Francisco Giants announced his passing in a post on X Tuesday evening.>> AN ICON: Remembering Willie MaysMays, widely regarded as the greatest living baseball player at the time of his death, began his professional career at Rickwood Field, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons when he was just a teenager.>> TIMELINE: A look at Willie Mays' careerSince the announcement of his passing, many fans, athletes, organizations and politicians have reacted to his death and the legacy he leaves behind.The statements and posts below are in alphabetical order by last name.FamilyFormer hitter and Willie Mays' godson, Barry Bonds鈥淚 am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion. I have no words to describe what you mean to me 鈥� you helped shape me to be who I am today. Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a big hug for me. Rest in peace Willie. I love you forever. #SayHey鈥滿ichael Mays, son, in a statement released by the Giants"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鈥檚 blood.">> WATCH THE HISTORY: Rickwood Field's Return to GloryAthletesHall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.鈥淗e鈥檚 the godfather of center fielders. When you think about playing center field and you鈥檙e a person of color, that鈥檚 who they compare you to. For him to pull me aside and spend all the time he did with me meant a lot.鈥� Former player Keith Hernandez鈥淏est player I鈥檝e ever seen. Greatest player. I fortunately grew up in the Bay Area during Mays鈥� prime, and he was a five-tool player, an extraordinarily good five-tool player. You鈥檇 go to a game and he would do something. Whether it would be a great catch, a great throw, a stolen base, hit a home run or he鈥檇 do them all. He was just that kind of player. ... What always came off was that he was the 鈥楽ay Hey Kid.鈥� He had that ebullient personality. Infectious and genuine, and I got to tell him he was the greatest player I ever saw.鈥� NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson鈥淚鈥檓 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. Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.鈥漀ew York Yankees outfield Aaron Judge鈥淚 was a big Willie Mays fan, what he meant to the game, what he meant to California, all the Giants fans out there and especially me growing up. You wanted to play like Willie and make those catches that he did. The numbers he put up on the field and what he did are impressive, but him as a person and him as a human being is even bigger. He was bigger than baseball. He was something special and the baseball world is definitely going to be missing a great one.鈥漈ennis legend Billie Jean King鈥淭he great Willie Mays has passed away. It was a privilege to know him. We were both honored by @MLB in 2010 with the Beacon Award, given to civil rights pioneers. He was a such a kind soul, who gifted my brother Randy a new glove and a television during his rookie year with the @SFGiants. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed.鈥滳incinnati Reds player Ted Kluszewski"I'm not sure I know just what the (expletive) charisma is, but I get the feeling it's Willie Mays."Former San Francisco Giants player and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey"He did so many remarkable things, it actually became routine. We were so spoiled. He'd make plays that people would yell and talk about for months. We saw those plays every day, so it was no big deal. Hitting four home runs in one game probably was the least of the spectacular things he did."Former pitcher CC Sabathia鈥淩IP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts.鈥� Hall of Famer Joe Torre"I only wish that we could have seen him play in a ballpark that was more conducive to his hitting. He played in two very tough ballparks, both Candlestick and the Polo Grounds, that were very, very difficult because he was a gap and both those ballparks were very difficult in the gaps.">> INTERACTIVE HISTORY OF RICKWOOD: A timeline of America's oldest ballparkOrganizationsAtlanta Braves"We join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Willie Mays, one of the greatest to ever play the game. Our thoughts are with Willie鈥檚 family and loved ones."San Francisco Giants president and CEO Larry Baer鈥淚 fell in love with baseball because of Willie, plain and simple. My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol centerfield with grace and the ultimate athleticism. Over the past 30 years, working with Willie, and seeing firsthand his zest for life and unbridled passion for giving to young players and kids, has been one of the joys of my life.鈥滷ormer San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy鈥淗e was a guy I talked to a lot, and we talked baseball. He had a little office right by mine up there. And so I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with that man. Of course, what a legend he is, could be the best, the greatest player of all time, that鈥檚 how good he was.鈥滲aseball Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark鈥淲illie Mays鈥� passion for the game and incredible talent made him the embodiment of baseball for millions of fans and one of the most beloved players in history. More than a half century after his playing days, he remained an American treasure and a baseball icon synonymous with love of the game. His ever-present smile and joyous presence radiated throughout Cooperstown, and we will forever cherish his legacy. For teammates, opponents and friends, Willie Mays exemplified excellence.鈥滿LB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark鈥淔rom his professional debut with the Birmingham Black Barons at age 17 through his 24 All-Star Games to his Hall of Fame induction in 1979, Willie鈥檚 skill on the field and impact off it elevated him to a stature that was larger than life.鈥� Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen鈥淲illie ended his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key piece to the 1973 NL championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no one else. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise from Joan Payson to retire his iconic #24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie鈥檚 family and friends.鈥滿inor League BaseballSan Francisco Giants Chairman Greg Johnson鈥淭oday we have lost a true legend. In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays鈥� combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant. 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.鈥滿LB Commissioner Rob Manfred鈥淗is incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable. We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field.鈥漇an Francisco GiantsPoliticiansSen. Katie Britt"Our nation has lost a true giant. Willie Mays鈥攁 native of Westfield, Alabama鈥攎ade his professional debut for the Birmingham Black Barons in the NAL in 1948 and went on to achieve one of the best careers in baseball history.We were looking forward to seeing him at @RickwoodField this week, and know this already historic @MLB game will take on even more significance as we celebrate his legacy and honor his contributions to America鈥檚 pastime. The Mays family will be in our prayers."Rep. Jerry Carl"Willie Mays was my baseball hero. I had a royal blue Willie Mays glove, & I still think he was one of the classiest players in baseball history - always a gentleman & a man of few words. The world is a better place due to men like Mr. Mays. Rest in peace, my friend."California Gov. Gavin NewsomFormer President Barack Obama鈥淲illie Mays wasn鈥檛 just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person - and an inspiration to an entire generation. I鈥檓 lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.鈥漇en. Tommy Tuberville"Not only was Willie Mays a baseball legend, but he was a great American and a great Alabamian. His career with the Birmingham Black Barons and the @SFGiants has been inspirational for millions. My prayers go out to the Mays family."Birmingham Mayor Randal Woodfin"This week, when the eyes of the world are on Birmingham and the proud legacy of the Negro Leagues, we lose one of the greatest players to ever pick up a bat. In a sport filled with titans, few stood taller than Willie Mays.">> WHO WAS WILLIE MAYS? A look at the life of Alabama's 'Say Hey Kid.'CelebritiesActor Billie Crystal鈥淭he great Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his 鈥�54 World Series catch in City Slickers. The man who hit the ball and the 鈥� Giant鈥� who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play.鈥漈his article contains information from The Associated Press.

Willie Mays, an MLB legend and Birmingham's own "Say Hey Kid," has died at the age of 93.

The San Francisco Giants announced his passing in a post on X Tuesday evening.

Advertisement

>> AN ICON: Remembering Willie Mays

Mays, widely regarded as the greatest living baseball player at the time of his death, began his professional career at Rickwood Field, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons when he was just a teenager.

>> TIMELINE: A look at Willie Mays' career

Since the announcement of his passing, many fans, athletes, organizations and politicians have reacted to his death and the legacy he leaves behind.

The statements and posts below are in alphabetical order by last name.

Family

Former hitter and Willie Mays' godson, Barry Bonds

鈥淚 am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion. I have no words to describe what you mean to me 鈥� you helped shape me to be who I am today. Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a big hug for me. Rest in peace Willie. I love you forever. #SayHey鈥�

Michael Mays, son, in a statement released by the Giants

"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鈥檚 blood."

>> WATCH THE HISTORY: Rickwood Field's Return to Glory


Athletes

Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.

鈥淗e鈥檚 the godfather of center fielders. When you think about playing center field and you鈥檙e a person of color, that鈥檚 who they compare you to. For him to pull me aside and spend all the time he did with me meant a lot.鈥�

Former player Keith Hernandez

鈥淏est player I鈥檝e ever seen. Greatest player. I fortunately grew up in the Bay Area during Mays鈥� prime, and he was a five-tool player, an extraordinarily good five-tool player. You鈥檇 go to a game and he would do something. Whether it would be a great catch, a great throw, a stolen base, hit a home run or he鈥檇 do them all. He was just that kind of player. ... What always came off was that he was the 鈥楽ay Hey Kid.鈥� He had that ebullient personality. Infectious and genuine, and I got to tell him he was the greatest player I ever saw.鈥�

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson

鈥淚鈥檓 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. Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.鈥�

New York Yankees outfield Aaron Judge

鈥淚 was a big Willie Mays fan, what he meant to the game, what he meant to California, all the Giants fans out there and especially me growing up. You wanted to play like Willie and make those catches that he did. The numbers he put up on the field and what he did are impressive, but him as a person and him as a human being is even bigger. He was bigger than baseball. He was something special and the baseball world is definitely going to be missing a great one.鈥�

Tennis legend Billie Jean King

鈥淭he great Willie Mays has passed away. It was a privilege to know him. We were both honored by in 2010 with the Beacon Award, given to civil rights pioneers. He was a such a kind soul, who gifted my brother Randy a new glove and a television during his rookie year with the . My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed.鈥�

Cincinnati Reds player Ted Kluszewski

"I'm not sure I know just what the (expletive) charisma is, but I get the feeling it's Willie Mays."

Former San Francisco Giants player and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey

"He did so many remarkable things, it actually became routine. We were so spoiled. He'd make plays that people would yell and talk about for months. We saw those plays every day, so it was no big deal. Hitting four home runs in one game probably was the least of the spectacular things he did."

Former pitcher CC Sabathia

鈥淩IP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts.鈥�

Hall of Famer Joe Torre

"I only wish that we could have seen him play in a ballpark that was more conducive to his hitting. He played in two very tough ballparks, both Candlestick and the Polo Grounds, that were very, very difficult because he was a gap [hitter] and both those ballparks were very difficult in the gaps."

>> INTERACTIVE HISTORY OF RICKWOOD: A timeline of America's oldest ballpark


Organizations

Atlanta Braves

"We join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Willie Mays, one of the greatest to ever play the game. Our thoughts are with Willie鈥檚 family and loved ones."

San Francisco Giants president and CEO Larry Baer

鈥淚 fell in love with baseball because of Willie, plain and simple. My childhood was defined by going to Candlestick with my dad, watching Willie patrol centerfield with grace and the ultimate athleticism. Over the past 30 years, working with Willie, and seeing firsthand his zest for life and unbridled passion for giving to young players and kids, has been one of the joys of my life.鈥�

Former San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy

鈥淗e was a guy I talked to a lot, and we talked baseball. He had a little office right by mine up there. And so I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with that man. Of course, what a legend he is, could be the best, the greatest player of all time, that鈥檚 how good he was.鈥�

Baseball Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark

鈥淲illie Mays鈥� passion for the game and incredible talent made him the embodiment of baseball for millions of fans and one of the most beloved players in history. More than a half century after his playing days, he remained an American treasure and a baseball icon synonymous with love of the game. His ever-present smile and joyous presence radiated throughout Cooperstown, and we will forever cherish his legacy. For teammates, opponents and friends, Willie Mays exemplified excellence.鈥�

MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark

鈥淔rom his professional debut with the Birmingham Black Barons at age 17 through his 24 All-Star Games to his Hall of Fame induction in 1979, Willie鈥檚 skill on the field and impact off it elevated him to a stature that was larger than life.鈥�

Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen

鈥淲illie ended his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key piece to the 1973 NL championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no one else. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise from Joan Payson to retire his iconic #24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie鈥檚 family and friends.鈥�

Minor League Baseball

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

San Francisco Giants Chairman Greg Johnson

鈥淭oday we have lost a true legend. In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays鈥� combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant. 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.鈥�

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

鈥淗is incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the awe that came with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable. We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field.鈥�

San Francisco Giants

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.


Politicians

Sen. Katie Britt

"Our nation has lost a true giant. Willie Mays鈥攁 native of Westfield, Alabama鈥攎ade his professional debut for the Birmingham Black Barons in the NAL in 1948 and went on to achieve one of the best careers in baseball history.

We were looking forward to seeing him at this week, and know this already historic game will take on even more significance as we celebrate his legacy and honor his contributions to America鈥檚 pastime. The Mays family will be in our prayers."

Rep. Jerry Carl

"Willie Mays was my baseball hero. I had a royal blue Willie Mays glove, & I still think he was one of the classiest players in baseball history - always a gentleman & a man of few words. The world is a better place due to men like Mr. Mays. Rest in peace, my friend."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Former President Barack Obama

鈥淲illie Mays wasn鈥檛 just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person - and an inspiration to an entire generation. I鈥檓 lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.鈥�

Sen. Tommy Tuberville

"Not only was Willie Mays a baseball legend, but he was a great American and a great Alabamian. His career with the Birmingham Black Barons and the has been inspirational for millions. My prayers go out to the Mays family."

Birmingham Mayor Randal Woodfin

"This week, when the eyes of the world are on Birmingham and the proud legacy of the Negro Leagues, we lose one of the greatest players to ever pick up a bat. In a sport filled with titans, few stood taller than Willie Mays."

>> WHO WAS WILLIE MAYS? A look at the life of Alabama's 'Say Hey Kid.'


Celebrities

Actor Billie Crystal

鈥淭he great Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his 鈥�54 World Series catch in City Slickers. The man who hit the ball and the 鈥� Giant鈥� who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play.鈥�


This article contains information from The Associated Press.