Willie Mays, miembro del Salón de la Fama de la MLB e ícono estadounidense, murió el martes 18 de junio. Tenía 93 años. Mays falleció pacíficamente por la tarde, según informó San Francisco Giants. No se conocía ninguna enfermedad que Mays estuviera padeciendo antes de su muerte. La leyenda pasó 21 años con los Giants desde 1951 hasta 1972. Jugó en Nueva York antes de que la franquicia se trasladara a San Francisco, y luego terminó su carrera con los New York Mets a los 42 años.
Muchos consideran a "Say Hey Kid" el mejor jugador de béisbol que ha existido, y sus estadísticas lo confirman. Mays terminó su carrera con una marca de .301/.384/.557, 3.293 hits, 660 jonrones y 339 bases robadas. En el momento de su retiro, su récord de jonrones era el tercero de la historia de la MLB, por detrás de Hank Aaron y Babe Ruth, y desde entonces ha sido superado por Albert Pujols, Alex Rodríguez y su ahijado, Barry Bonds, que publicó un emotivo homenaje a su padrino en su Instagram el martes por la noche.
La lista de galardones de Mays abarca tanto terreno como el que la leyenda ocupó en el outfield. Ganó el premio al Novato del Año de la Liga Nacional en 1951 antes de alistarse en el ejército de Estados Unidos y servir en la Guerra de Corea.
It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93. pic.twitter.com/Qk4NySCFZQ
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
Como resultado, se perdió una parte de la temporada de 1952 y toda la de 1953 antes de regresar para liderar a los Giants a una victoria en la Serie Mundial sobre los Indians en 1954. Lideró la liga en bateo (.345) y ganó el MVP de la NL ese mismo año, y se llevó a casa los honores de MVP de nuevo en 1965. Dominó en jonrones en cuatro ocasiones, con dos temporadas de 50 cuadrangulares en 1955 y 1965, y también en robos cuatro veces, triples tres veces, carreras dos veces, OBP dos veces y SLG cinco veces.
Aunque está claro que Mays podía hacerlo todo en el plato, también lo hizo en el campo, donde ganó 12 guantes de oro. También participó en el partido de las estrellas en 24 ocasiones y se llevó a casa el MVP en dos ocasiones.
También ganó el premio inaugural Roberto Clemente en 1971, otorgado al jugador que "mejor ejemplifica el juego del béisbol, la deportividad, la participación comunitaria y la contribución del individuo a su equipo". Por si fuera poco, Mays fue elegido miembro del Salón de la Fama del Béisbol en 1979 con el 94,7% de los votos y recibió la Medalla Presidencial de la Libertad de manos de Barack Obama en 2015.
Pero Mays era mucho más que estadísticas. Simplemente destilaba positivismo y todo lo que tanta gente adora del béisbol, como indican los homenajes que le llovieron al conocerse la noticia de su fallecimiento. Desde jugar al stickball con los niños de Harlem hasta su patentada "basket catch" y la canción "Say Hey (The Willie Mays song)", Mays fue un auténtico original y una leyenda.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the most exciting all-around players in the history of our sport.
— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2024
Mays was a two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In… pic.twitter.com/kOqxNnetg7
My heart is broken. All our hearts are broken. The world lost an absolute hero and treasure. The wonderful Willie Mays, a friend to all, died today. Peacefully. Two days before the big day at Rickwood Field. Greatest, most exciting player ever. He changed the world. He was 93.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) June 19, 2024
The greatest catch in baseball history.
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) June 19, 2024
Rest In Peace Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/mjeygZXJ1B
There will never be another quite like Willie Mays 🧡 pic.twitter.com/I95JW1buJF
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 19, 2024
24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glover, 2-time MVP, World Series champion, Hall of Famer.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 19, 2024
MLB Network mourns the passing of one of our game’s most iconic figures, Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/gQLCnbm2lN
Jon Miller took a moment during the broadcast to acknowledge the passing of Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/4ZcXDouOfZ
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 19, 2024
Rest in Peace, Willie Mays.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 19, 2024
What an absolute legend. #sayhey pic.twitter.com/20DE3w8ZDX
Commissioner Rob Manfred on the passing of Willie Mays:
— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2024
"His 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." pic.twitter.com/EOtEMwQzTd
A Hero to so many and my father’s favorite player. An Icon in the Sports world. #RIP Willie Mays 💔 pic.twitter.com/Z1EHbLCTFB
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) June 19, 2024
We join the baseball world in mourning the passing of Willie Mays.
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 19, 2024
Statement from Steve and Alex Cohen: https://t.co/wP4B7GJH9L pic.twitter.com/5dWgQa5V93
Rickwood turns somber as they announce the passing of legendary former Black Baron Willie Mays today, many of us learning for the first time. Hats in the air, standing O, a short montage. Many undry eyes. Damn. pic.twitter.com/6igVanzANh
— Sofie (@sofieballgame) June 19, 2024
One of the finest men I ever met and the good fortune of talking baseball all day with.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) June 19, 2024
In Willie Mays, we lost an American icon and a giant in more ways than one. pic.twitter.com/2GzRhbomVD
This rare footage of Willie Mays playing stickball in NYC is so cool to see
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 19, 2024
RIP to a legend and one of the all-time greats 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/t0OcdMkd2D
Willie Mays, one of the greatest players in baseball history, died Tuesday at 93. Owner of 660 home runs, a dozen Gold Gloves and countless indelible moments, the Say Hey Kid epitomized the game during its golden era in an unparalleled 23-year career. A huge loss for baseball.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 19, 2024
I'm 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. 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays was a legend who inspired countless individuals throughout his career. His legacy will live on.
— Tish James (@TishJames) June 19, 2024
May he rest in peace.https://t.co/3APA1VeBFL
A young Barry Bonds with Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/w1RghpkB0v
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) June 19, 2024
When I was 8, my dad took me to an autograph session with Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Mantle had been his guy but he told me to take a picture with "The greatest player there has ever been." My dad never wavered in that belief. RIP to the greatest player there has ever been. pic.twitter.com/wEoh9YLWow
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 19, 2024
I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
RIP 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… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt
He was a 24-time All-Star, a 12-time Gold Glover, a 2-time MVP, World Series champion, and a Hall of Famer.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 19, 2024
The 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… pic.twitter.com/wdTTNUiEmt
One of the best to ever play the game
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) June 19, 2024
Rest in Peace Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/JaTr7BRP8T
Willie Mays wasn’t 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’m lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I… pic.twitter.com/tpO3O9B9yc
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2024
I am heartbroken by the news that Willie Mays has passed away. He was my first sports hero and is a connection in my life to a better time where humility, decency and real accomplishment were the ultimate positive defining characteristics.
— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) June 19, 2024
Many times you meet your heroes and… pic.twitter.com/3apDZnRgV2
Vin Scully meeting Willie Mays for the first time in 2016 is one of the most pure conversations you’ll ever watch. pic.twitter.com/90RVGLk4z3
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) June 19, 2024
"Willie Mays embodies this city specifically in a way that I think really lends to an understanding of who he was."@clintonyates and @notthefakeSVP reflect on Willie Mays' impact on Birmingham, AL ahead of Thursday's Negro League tribute game where he began his pro career. pic.twitter.com/pmEK0hxI61
— ESPN (@espn) June 19, 2024
There will never be another Willie Mays.
— Bernie Williams (@bw51official) June 19, 2024
You don’t play Centerfield without thinking of Mr. Mays. We should all celebrate and salute his legacy - - he transcended baseball, served our country and is a true American legend & icon.
Credit: Greg Kreindler @mlb @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/I8tdunpv4S
The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers.The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play. pic.twitter.com/FTNSc99Kh1
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 19, 2024
Keith Hernandez in tears as he speaks about Willie Mays after he found out about his passing. Powerful pic.twitter.com/ofIYAUeB1J
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays will always be remembered as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Ironically enough, this Thursday his legacy and that of the Negro Leagues will be honored in our hometown of Birmingham, Alabama at Rickwood Field. He never forgot where he came from.
— Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) June 19, 2024
It was my pleasure and honor to have played against arguably the best @mlb @MLBPA player of all time. And to call #WillieMays my friend is incrediblyspecial #RIP “Say Hey” Kid pic.twitter.com/SFbH1kks41
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) June 19, 2024
The Yankees join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Willie Mays, who was an iconic figure during a Golden Era of baseball in New York City and simply one of the greatest players that the game will ever see. We offer our deepest condolences to the Mays family, the… pic.twitter.com/LXTIfQwe9a
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 19, 2024
660 homeruns. 3,300 hits. .301 career batting average. 24-time All Star. Perhaps the best defensive center fielder in history. Dynamite on the base paths.
— Damon Amendolara (@DamonAmendo) June 19, 2024
He’s the greatest baseball player who ever lived.
R.I.P. Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/IKQDPbnGyv
Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of the Legendary Willie Mays who passed away today. Rest in Peace to the Say Hey Kid. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Et3WhY8X9J
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays was 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 so many that followed in his footsteps.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 19, 2024
He was an integral part of San Francisco's cultural… pic.twitter.com/kUaMSG9tDv
Charles Barkley reflects on the death of Willie Mays: “We have no idea what these guys have been through...To try to be great at a sport, and then deal with all the racial strife that these guys had to deal with, that's what makes them heroes.” pic.twitter.com/IRBublMaJG
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 19, 2024
So sad to hear we lost the legend Willie Mays.
— Jose Reyes (@lamelaza_7) June 19, 2024
He was a true gentleman and was very kind to me when I met him at the 2007 All Star Game in San Francisco.
Catching a pitch from him that night was one of the highlights of my career.
Rest in Peace Willie pic.twitter.com/XisD2lwPEI
Logan Webb said he found out about Willie Mays' passing when the Cubs announced it to the crowd as he was taking the mound to pitch the sixth inning. pic.twitter.com/7ulTMJ9tVu
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) June 19, 2024
"We're going to play in his honor."
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 19, 2024
Logan Webb is heartbroken that Willie Mays passed before Thursday's game at Rickwood Field pic.twitter.com/ARaLd0E2y5
Willie Mays congratulating Clemente the day after Clemente’s 3,000th hit against Mays Mets. pic.twitter.com/lNLatFRt3N
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 19, 2024
It is impossible to exaggerate the greatness of the late Willie Mays. You can only deal in superlatives when talking about Willie Mays. I am one of countless fans who claim Willie Mays as their all-time favorite player.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) June 19, 2024
I know at 93 death is around the corner, but I was not expecting it. I felt like Willie Mays would live forever. I am so grateful that he was my example of what we are on and off the field. The best to ever put a uniform on. RiP Say Hey Kid #24
— Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) June 19, 2024
Yaz's favorite Willie Mays memory is as special as it gets 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Mt5dg9rCGr
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 19, 2024
"I'm just grateful and thankful that I was able to spend the time I had with him because he is a true giant, on and off the field." - Ken Griffey Jr. on Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/wuba7Ee0Gf
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 19, 2024
Rest well, #WillieMays. #theSayHeyKid #Giant #MLK pic.twitter.com/uKFNWjq1oq
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) June 19, 2024
