The San Francisco Giants announced Hall of Famer Willie Mays died Tuesday at the age of 93. His passing brought about plenty of reaction and mourning throughout the sports world, including from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“The Dodgers pay tribute to the incomparable Willie Mays. From the East Coast to the West Coast, he dazzled baseball fans, leaving behind cherished memories for generations,” the team said in a statement. “For the Dodgers, there was no finer rival. We mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred added: “All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began. Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance 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 earned its place as our National Pastime. Just as his career was ascending, Willie served his country in the U.S. Army in 1952 and 1953.
“As the 1954 NL MVP, he led the Giants to victory in the World Series, in which he made one of the most memorable plays ever with ‘The Catch’ in the deep center field of the Polo Grounds. All told, Willie was a two-time MVP, a 24-time All-Star, a 12-time Gold Glover, a selection as one of the game’s Greatest Living Players in 2015, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom later that year.
“And yet 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. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Willie’s family, his friends across our game, Giants fans everywhere, and his countless admirers across the world.
“Thursday’s game at historic Rickwood Field was designed to be a celebration of Willie Mays and his peers. With sadness in our hearts, it will now also serve as a national remembrance of an American who will forever remain on the short list of the most impactful individuals our great game has ever known.”
Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson also paid his respects to Mays, who the former Los Angeles Lakers star credited for drawing him to baseball.
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
Among other accomplishments throughout his illustrious career, Mays became the first player in MLB history to hit at least 20 home runs in 17 consecutive seasons. He resides as the MLB record holder for most putouts by an outfielder (7,095), home runs by a center fielder (640) and long balls hit in extra innings (22).
Mays additionally holds various MLB All-Star Game records, including for appearances (24), at-bats (75), runs scored (20), hits (23), triples (three), extra-base hits (eight) and total bases (40).
Mays was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, receiving 94.7% of the vote to earn enshrinment.
MLB plans to honor Mays prior to first pitch of the Rickwood Field game on Thursday. The stadium is the former home of the Birmingham Black Barons from 1924-1960, and Mays began his career with the team in 1948.
Willie Mays was oldest living Hall of Famer
Mays had been the oldest living Hall of Famer, which he became when former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda passed away on Jan. 7, 2021.
Luis Aparicio is now the oldest living member of the Baseball Hall of Fame at 90 years old.
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