The legendary Willie Mays, a trailblazing Black, professional baseball star, has handed away. He was 93.
On Tuesday, July 18, the San Francisco Giants and Mays household introduced that he had handed early within the afternoon.
“My father has handed away peacefully and amongst family members,” stated son Michael Mays in a press release. “I wish to thanks all from the underside of my damaged coronary heart for the unwavering love you might have proven him over time. You could have been his life’s blood.”
Generally known as the “Say Hey Child,” Mays’ expertise included an unbelievable mixture of energy, velocity and finesse, which made him one of many MLB’s hottest gamers throughout his heyday, no pun, and past.
Mays started his profession with the Negro Leagues in 1948 and made his Main League debut with the then-New York Giants in 1951 at 20 years outdated, successful Rookie of the Yr honors. Mays performed in 24 All-Stars recreation and secured 12 Gold Glove Awards earlier than ending his profession with 660 dwelling runs and a .301 profession batting common when retiring in 1973.
In Recreation 1 of the World Collection in 1954, the New York Giants had been at dwelling taking part in the Cleveland Indians, who had been the favorites. With the scored tied 2-2 on the high of Cleveland’s Vic Wertz hit a fastball to deep heart area within the Polo Grounds. Mays tracked the ball down, utilizing all his velocity to usher in the drive with an over the shoulder catch, along with his again to dwelling plate. The play would turn out to be often known as “The Catch.”
Mays was voted into the Corridor of Fame in 1979 and his quantity 24 was retired by the San Francisco Giants. Mays was awarded the celebrated Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015.
Relaxation in highly effective peace Willie Mays.
