Baseball legend Willie Mays, considered by many to be one of the best players in the history of the sport, has died, according to the San Francisco Giants.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93″.
A statement from Major League Baseball (MLB) said it was “heartbroken” by the death of “one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.”
Mays was twice named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and won the World Series with the Giants in 1954.
Nicknamed the “Say Hey Kid,” the center fielder is baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer.
His famous catch in the 1954 World Series remains one of the most iconic plays in the history of America’s so-called “National Pastime.”
In addition to his two MVP awards, he was also a top 10 runner-up for MVP another 10 times.
Mays’ son, Michael, told the Associated Press that his father passed away in the presence of his family and wanted to thank fans for their support over the years.
“My father passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the steadfast love you have shown him all these years,” he said.
“You are his lifeline.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement describing his impact on the game.
“His incredible achievements and statistics cannot begin to describe the awe of watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable,” he wrote.
“We will never forget this true Giant on and off the field.”
San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement that for those who grew up in the city, “some things just go without question… Willie Mays was the greatest ever”.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also praised Mays as “more than just a baseball icon”.
“He broke barriers and inspired millions of Americans – setting records, bringing joy to countless fans and becoming a role model for future generations of athletes.”
Despite not having played professional sports in more than 50 years, MLB added 10 hits to his career record earlier this month, after deciding to incorporate statistics from the Negro League.
His record is currently 3,293 innings, including 10 innings he hit for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948.
On Monday, Mays said he would not be able to attend a game in his honor that was scheduled for Thursday.
“I can’t go to Birmingham this year but will watch the game in the Bay Area,” Mays said in a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“My heart goes out to all of you who are honoring the Negro Leagues ballplayers who should always be remembered, including all of my teammates on the Black Barons.
“It will be a special day and I hope the children will enjoy and be inspired by it.”
Mays was born and raised in Westfield, Alabama and began his professional baseball career while in high school in 1948.
He joined the New York Giants in 1950, and in 1951 he hit 20 home runs for the team at just 20 years old.
After the 1951 season, Mays was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War.
After missing the 1952 and 1953 seasons due to military service, he returned in 1954 to win his first MVP award.
After the Giants moved from New York to San Francisco in 1954, he helped the team defeat Cleveland in the World Series.
The over-the-shoulder catch he made in the match helped the team win 5-2 after 10 innings.
In 1972, he was traded to the New York Mets at the age of 41, where he played two more seasons before retiring.
