Associated Press
Willie Mays died on June 18 just two days before he was set to be honored during the MLB at Rickwood game between his San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday in a game honoring Mays and the Negro Leagues.
Mays, who began his career in Alabama with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues and played for the Giants from 1951-72.
Shortly before his death Mays said his “heart was with all of you who are honoring the Negro League ballplayers, who should always be remembered, including all my teammates on the Black Barons. I wanted to thank Major League Baseball, the Giants, the Cardinals and all the fans who’ll be at Rickwood or watching the game. It’ll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it.”
Mays, who died at 93, is widely considered baseball’s greatest living player. He won the World Series with the Giants in 1954 and was a 24-time All-Star during his career, tied with Stan Musial for second-most behind Hank Aaron’s 25. Mays won the 1954 major league batting title and was voted NL MVP in 1954 and 1965.
This story was updated at 10:50 a.m. on 6/18/2024 after the death of Mays.
