Remembering Willie Mays, one of the best MLB players ever (1931-2024)

Willie Mays, one of baseball's greatest players, passed away on June 18, 2024 at the age of 93. We remember Willie's legendary career with his best moments.
Don't forget to subscribe! / mlb
Follow us elsewhere too:
Twitter: / mlb
Instagram: / mlb
Facebook: / mlb
TikTok: www.tiktok.com...
Check out MLB.com daily to watch the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day! mlb.com/freegame
Visit our site for all baseball news, stats and scores! www.mlb.com/

[@chillywillie6283]

My first sports hero. I remember being eight years old, just discovering baseball and watching my first MLB all-star game during in the 1965 season. This one black player was introduced and the crowd immediately jumped to their feet with a rousing standing ovation that lasted a while. Growing up black in the Deep South during those years of segregation and racial tensions, l was amazed by the respect shown for that black man at that time in history amongst all that turmoil. This was still less than twenty years since Jackie Robinson was initially disrespected in every way possible. That player was Willie Mays. Back in those days we only had two (clear) television channels and one tv game a week, so whenever l saw Willie Mays (maybe once or twice a season) it was something special.

[@ConnorMiller417]

I would like to petition for baseball to retire #24 in his honor. Much like Jackie, Willie was one of the most iconic athletes of his time. Many black players made the jump to MLB due to his influence. He truly was a legendary figure and an even better person. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace Willie! ❤

[@jaydogtitan-ok3vw]

You have my support on that.

[@admanct]

Unfortunately I think if they didn’t retire Clemente’s number they probably won’t retire Willie’s.

[@jaydogtitan-ok3vw]

@@admanctGreat point.

[@GratefulInRecovery]

I agree. We should retire the numbers of the greats. Respectfully, however, we could create a laundry list of those we have come to love and admire over the years, and then there would be teams with fractions as numbers (the Yankees are a great example, they retire numbers just to retire them, and eventually the bat boy will be in Monument Park one day. Jackie broke the color barrier, so his 42 is retired throughout baseball as it should be, yet that took almost 40 years after his last game in 1956, and it was under Owner/"Commissioner" Bud Selig. Jackie broke the color barrier in 1947 and played under harsh and hateful conditions, with opposing players yelling racial epithets during every game, a constant barraging of hate because of the pigment of his skin. Sadly, this was commonplace, yet despite this hate, Jackie played 11 years and played well. He may not have overwhelming numbers, but Jackie WAS the definition of "Hall of Famer," IN EVERY SENSE OF THE TERM. "He (Jackie Robinson) knew he had to do well. He knew that the future of blacks in baseball depended on it. The pressure was enormous, overwhelming, and unbearable at times. I don't know how he held up. I know I never could have." - Duke Snider in Baseball in Long Beach (Bob Keisser, The History Press, 08/06/2013, Page 41)

[@Emper0rH0rde]

There are ways of honoring players other than forbidding anyone to ever wear their number again. Don't quote me on this, but I think when Pele retired, there was discussion in FIFA of retiring the number 10 from all of association football, but the decision was made to keep it in circulation, and for the wearer to be the sort of player who brings the same sort of things to his team that Pele did. That seems an infinitely better way of honoring a legend than locking away his number, never to be worn again.

[@compdabot1371]

The Say Hey kid will be remembered forever. Rest in peace legend.

[@Johndoe345-k2d]

Who?

[@dontbeasucka.61]

​@@Johndoe345-k2d Before your time... Probably the best all around player that ever lived

[@gabrielabarrera8061]

Que en paz Descanse 🪦 buen deportista. ❤🌹🙏🏽

[@Johndoe345-k2d]

@@dontbeasucka.61 whatever

[@gregdiamond6023]

I remember meeting him 43 years ago when he signed a ball for me. He had an infectious smile. What an honor it was to meet such a classy man.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Growing up in San Francisco Willie Mays and Willie McCovey used to hold Saturday baseball clinics for us kids in the off season. Having two of the best teach you how to be a better ball player really made you feel special. They were great men both on and off the field. Rest in peace to Willie Mays and Willie McCovey and thanks for thinking of us kids.

[@justingaming146]

It's time to retire his number around the league forever 24 thank you for all the memories Willie Mays 1931-2024

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@Droogs uh ...yes

[@willemander]

@@Droogsabsolutely yes

[@JoeyH-sb3fq]

​@@stevenmeyer9674Nah

[@smokey_gator_239]

No

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@smokey_gator_239 yes... your turn.

[@RyansColoradoRailProductions]

Say Hey to us from heaven Willie

[@DaveysWonderfulWorld]

Rest in peace, Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players to ever do it

[@stevenmeyer9674]

He was without one doubt the greatest. Not one of the greatest.

[@Imugi007]

Rest in peace. What a life he lived. What a legend he will always be.

[@jmg999]

I had the great privilege and honor of shaking Mr. Mays' hand once. He appeared at a trade show w/ Warren Spahn for an industry my grandfather worked in, when I was a young boy. For as much as you accomplished, you overcame even more. Rest in power, Mr. Mays.

[@angel-ij4xv]

the goat

[@Robbie.Rotten]

The GOAT went to heaven field on the 18th day of month 6 = 24, of the year 2024. I'll say Hey forever Willie #24🖤🧡

[@dontbeasucka.61]

And ironically O js Bronco was running down the street With the world watching When he was charged of double murder

[@dontbeasucka.61]

Yep thirty years ago same day

[@doublem1975x]

@@dontbeasucka.61He was found innocent by a jury of his peers , not convicted.

[@dontbeasucka.61]

@@doublem1975x I meant to say charged Not convicted

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Great tribute, Willie played in our winter ball league during the 1954-55 season after the Giants won the World Series, was the batting leader (.395) in our circuit and along with Rubén Gómez, Don Zimmer, Luis Rodríguez Olmo and a very young Roberto Clemente led the Cangrejeros de Santurce to win the Caribbean Series. Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 will always be grateful to the Say Hey Kid. Condolences to his family and to baseball fans around the world. ⚾

[@gioo.rr23]

R.I.P. I still cannot believe the time has come, he was a great player and a AMAZING person.

[@katharinebuckman2815]

Indeed he was!

[@SALSAKID49]

The last of my 3 All-Time MLB player Aaron, Mays, and Clemente.... 44/24/21 Rest in Peace, Wille 👋👏🙏

[@emmaloughnane3527]

May Willie Mays rest in peace ❤🕊️

[@loragraves4808]

A true American icon. Willie Mays was one of the best to ever play the game. Much love to all of his family, friends, and fans. ❤

[@flanker1347]

I'm Korean and I didn't even live in his time, but this is really a big sadness.

[@Kscriv]

A legendary career and got to enjoy 50 years of life after retirement. May we all live such a full life.

[@Vanilla_Gaming1]

Rest In Peace Willie Mays, you will be missed ❤️ -angels fan

[@Capsule71420]

😇🙏

[@erinbedard6374]

Willie Hayes always will be remembered. Always a legend. Rest in peace.

[@BenReinhard09]

What a Legend!!!

[@channingbloom7125]

Rest in peace say hey kid. Aka Willie mays. One of the best to ever do it.

[@curves2211]

One of the greatest to ever do it 💯

[@TimRobinson-hc7mt]

I am kind of lost for word about what to say about Willie Mays. I grew up watching baseball as a kid in the 60's when most of the greats of the game were past their prime (Mays Clemente Banks and so on) People would tell me kid there was nobody like Willie Mays when it came to all around talent on the field there was nobody like Mays. So Willie I say to you I wish I was a little bit older to have seen you in your prime and that center field is all yours has been waiting for you to arrive in the special field of dreams I have where all your teammates are waiting for you and will move over for you now to take your place where you belong now Mickey and the Duke will be glad to step aside and Joe D will be glad to bow out and let you take your rightful place in the place reserved just for you Willie enjoy the game you loved so much in that field of dreams you were the best rest in peace my friend SAY HEY

[@TVeres-3dRm]

Going to watch Field of Dreams tonight.

[@Geotubest]

Beautifully said.

[@TimRobinson-hc7mt]

I know someone I forgot to add to help Willie adjust to his new Field of Dreams games he's going to be playing in now. He needs his manager MR LEO has been waiting to manage his favorite player for sometime now and they all the time in heaven to work together Bobby Bonds and Monte Irvin are happy campers now that Willie and Leo Durocher are back together again PLAY BALL!!!

[@TimRobinson-hc7mt]

One last thing about Willie and his Field of Dream games he will play in now. He will not play in a cornfield here in Iowa no heaven is much different for him all the old ballparks that were torn down major and minor league parks are all there for Willie and his teammates the Polo Grounds Candlestick (has been modified so there are wind chills and blowing winds off the Bay to mess up your play Willie) No the parks will be filled with fans to see you do your thing again as you did here on earth enjoy yourself Willie and may God bless you for all you have done and the memories you have given us

[@JaredHettler]

3293 hits 660 homeruns A career .301 hitter 156.2 WAR 1909 RBIs 2068 runs scored (100+ runs scored 12 straight years) Damn near never missed a game for a long time (13 straight years of 150+ games played) Career OPS+ of 155 2x MVP ROTY 12 straight gold gloves 20x all star World series winner and WSMVP What a career and what a life. It's a shame he never got to see his godson inducted into the HOF. My grandfather speaks about Willie like he was a superhero, even still to this day. Him and Mickey Mantle both. Rest in Peace, Mr Mays.

[@michaelcaywood6070]

He was a great man, and still is. He will be missed. 😢😢.

[@RogerPeet]

Willie Mays is the best baseball player in history. I saw Willie play, Live, in S.F.

[@jashary15]

The death of Baseball legend Willie Mays-Baseball will never be the same again.

[@vec875]

I saw him play at the Polo Grounds and at Shea as both a Giant and a Met. Attended Willie Mays night at Shea. I still have the ticket stub. Nobody lives forever but in some way Willie will. Thanks for the memories Willie.

[@ej885-yh1yd]

As a Giants fan, it is shocking to me to say goodbye to Willie. Say hey to us when you get there!

[@mountainclimber48]

It feels like I lost a friend. He lived a long and amazing life. I feel blessed to have lived in SF when he played. I’ll never forget being at a game when I was 15 or so and seeing him foul off 4 or 5 pitches then hit it into orbit over the left field fence to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. I think the Giants won in 16 innings. I snuck down behind home plate in the eighth inning. 🤣

[@christmashake8968]

The greatest Giant of all time, and still one of the Top 5 (at minimum) greatest players in the long and rich history of the game. Rest in power, Say Hey Kid. 🤎🧡🤍

[@georgepoirier9014]

Baseball's😢 GREATEST All-Around Player !!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@bobdunne7894]

May 30th, 1964, what an "Amazing" day for me. My mother worked with someone who knew Willie and he invited me to come see him at Shea Stadium. His name was Blanco Chatang(Please forgive the spelling, he was involved with Cuban Baseball). I saw all the great Giants--Marichal-McCovey-Cepeda et al. Then I saw Willie. I was 14 yos and had idolized this man for as long as I remember breathing. When I actually met him, I was shaking. He was so nice and took the time to talk and pose for several photos. I had the pleasure of meeting 2 other times in the 1990s, but nothing will ever compare to that Saturday in Flushing. Thank You Willie, I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything in the world and you were such a major part of it. I LOVED and STILL LOVE WILLIE MAYS!

[@jonathaneaston1978]

Great story. Thanks.

[@jonathantrauner3742]

Now in Heaven with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, this loss hurts

[@ramonhernandez1623]

Rest In Peace to the “say hey” kid. Thank you for the memories 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #RIPWILLIEMAYS 🫡😎🤙🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@BURGERzYz]

sad moment 😭

[@laural1784]

Very sad.😢

[@Bulgarian-Mapping]

May he rest in peace 🕊️

[@harpereion8702]

The Great Willie Mays--May 6, 1931---June 18, 2024--R.I.P.

[@GratefulInRecovery]

There are no words to convey the grief with the loss of the "Sey Hey Kid." No matter the team you support, even Dodgers fans, whose intense rivalry with the Giants would challenge this theory, feel the loss and grieve with us. As a 53 year old Orioles fan, I never saw Willie play, but he played not only with greatness but with the exuberance of a young child whose life has not been tainted by the realities that exist outside the lines. He is the face of a game, long-lost to the annals of history, with only visions of his sensational 1954 WS catch to provide a modicum of comfort, And a slight smile knowing that we saw Willie play, even if only in a "highlight reel." Rest in Peace, Mr. Mays, you have earned your diamond in the sky.....

[@McSus2]

Rest in peace Willie 😭😭😭😭🪦🕊️ We will miss you 😢

[@lolfoodgaming]

rest in peace Willie ❤️

[@francesfarmer736]

Being born on the West Coast in Sacramento, our baseball team was the S.F. Giants my grandfather and dad always had the game on during baseball season early 60s when I could remember listening to the radio with Lon Simmons the voice of the Giants ……part of my childhood memories Rest in Paradise “The Say Hey Kid” ….#24⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️

[@sportswikipedia5739]

Greatest MLB player. Elite at batting and fielding

[@Johnnyred51]

First time I saw Willie play was at the World Series, Game 7 against the Yankees. I was only 5 years old, but I knew I was seeing something special. I now know I personally witnessed one the most talented, good and decent man in human history.

[@roxannevlogs7329]

Rest In Peace 💔Thank you for my memories. I saw him late 60’s at the Stick w the SF Giants. Legend lives forever ⚾️🧡🖤

[@randywalker8284]

Well,I'm 57 I never saw Willie Mays play,he had retired by the time I was 6 years old,an just beginning to learn about baseball,there will never be another Billie Mays.

[@jumpmansolie]

Thank you, Willie! I wish I could've seen you do doing your thing! Highlights don't do justice!!!!! Rest well, Say Hey Kid!!!

[@ShoopyIce-b9t]

Rest in peace the legend the greatest center fielder of all time

[@johnvaal]

Thank you Mr. Mays! God Bless you and rest in peace!

[@tonyrichard7966]

The greatest. Thanks Willie for ur contributions, u have impact all of us

[@2Chua]

I was lucky enough to see him several times at the 'stick...Dad, your hero has come home. Be at peace Mr. Mays.

[@gabrielpaganBASEBALL]

Rest In Peace to the greatest catch of all time Willie Mays⚾🙏🕊️ 1931-2024

[@maskedmarvel]

Absolutely incredible player and man. True legend of the game. 🫡

[@Jmtrue]

Willie Mays will forever be remembered. Thank you for your wonderful memories of baseball entertainment 🙏 Deepest condolences to your family and friends 🧡

[@Nateplays-ol2jn]

Bye Willie Mays😢

[@Steve-xm2ie]

I'm 67 years old. Willie Mays what's the greatest all-around ball player ever. There was no weak aspect of this game. He was an absolute joy to watch. I know this, heaven just got a new starting center fielder. Rest in peace Willie. You were the greatest!

[@rdm1000]

He does not fall into the "one of the best" lists. He was the list. He was the best, the GOAT. I was raised in San Francisco. My father's television station carried all the Giant's games. Because of that we always went to the games in the arctic zone known as Candlestick Park. And because of that I met many times, spoke with and idolized Willie Mays most of my childhood. He was a wonderful man, kind, and so generous to a snot kid following him around like a puppy. I got autographs on bats, balls, hats and jerseys. All great keepsakes that I chose to give away for the benefit of local charities and schools. But I still have the memories. The personal connection aside, the numbers speak for themselves. There was nothing in the game he did not conquer. You can point to a player with more homeruns, or more hits. But the mastery of every aspect is what made Willie Mays the best. So let's not hedge. Give him the crown and let's move on.

[@BF-qt2wp]

Rest in Peace Willie Mays we will never forget you and your family members. 🙏 ❤️ 💔 💙 😢 😔

[@alblack3425]

I'm 64 year old but I still remember in 1969 sitting around listening to my father and his friends talk about Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. The "Say Hey" kid they called him and I actually saw him play in 1970 against my hometown Phillies. I wish I could stand here and brag about those times but all I remembered was wanting a Phillies baseball bat with Willie Montanez's name on it and not caring who Willie Mays was...if only I could go back in time.

[@Geotubest]

What a classy man. Watched the tail end of his career when I was a kid. Even in his 40´s you could tell his athleticism was otherworldly. The way he walked and ran... glided around the bases. May he rest in peace.

[@brianworkman9954]

Wilie Mays was the very best to play the game. Best in the outfield. Willie was humble. The 50s to the 70s were wonderful years.

[@felixmadison5736]

Willie Mays was not only one of the best MLB players ever, HE WAS THE BEST ALL-AROUND PLAYER EVER!!! I'm 75 years-old, and seen many Major League Baseball players in my time. None are or were as good as Willie Mays. If anyone was close, Willie beat them out because of his charisma. As one of Willie's teammates stated when he was in the dugout watching Willie Mays hit a deep drive to the outfield, "The only man who could catch that ball, just hit it!"

[@user-dq3tn3mg2i]

ウィリー・メイズはニグロリーグ経験者最後の生存者

[@jodyesperanza657]

I only saw the last few years of Willie's amazing career - but even at the end his skills and dynamism remained. None better.

[@davidmcdonald3280]

Rest in peace hall of Famer

[@TheCornDog.]

The Say Hey Kid will forever be one of the most legendary baseball players ever! Rest in Peace, Willie Mays.

[@TheRealCoolDude1989-nt5ed]

One the coolest Legends in Baseball has passed away ,he will be missed as a Icon in Baseball .So I would send my condolences to his family at this time .And man could he hit the ball outta the park .

[@caves51]

Nobody ever looked better in a baseball cap then Willie Mays Always loved that see threw fencing at candlestick

[@Spacejunk63]

A pillar of baseball icons has passed. Rest in peace, Willy. You were a legend ⚾️

[@BaseballLegionUnite]

Rest in peace to one of if not the best player in mlb history, fly high say hey kid, he maybe gone, but will never be in our hearts

[@user-kz9jy1ts2c]

i’ll remember forever.. mays.

[@billybucks8234]

Goat

[@phibbykaden]

He was from far before my time, but everything I've heard about him tells me that Mays kid was great, just like the song said.

[@kruzlucero6725]

It’s heart warming for me that everyone is remembering the legend, Willie Mays.

[@dominicbonarrigo6502]

😢😢😢 say hey Willie mays! I’m heartbroken today…

[@objetty11]

Shine on Willie aka The say hey hid Mays, shine on....Aloha

[@diggerdog6649]

My opinion Willie was the greatest all around outfielder every to play the game. Saw him play in SF.

[@geraldallocca6858]

The greatest all around player ever!!!

[@dannynew6313]

How befitting that the Great Willie Mays passed on 6/18 (24)! The greatest of all time.

[@pilsudski36]

TWillie Mays' catch of Vic Wertz fly to deep center remains one of the great moments of baseball history.

[@mhbbej1]

I was lucky enough to be at Shea stadium in 1972 when Willie played his first game as a Met. The best part of that day was when Willie hit his first Homer as a Met.

[@markfletcher8084]

My boyhood hero (I’m in my late 60s). The best all around.

[@salvatoresultana4058]

Rest in Peace to the greatest player in baseball history.

[@sksk-kd7qt]

"Say Hey Kid" Willie Mays is a five-tool player who will go down in major league history. His "The Catch" in the World Series is as legendary as "Mr. October's" three consecutive home runs in three at-bats. He hit over 600 home runs and had a career batting average of .302 without using drugs, and won the Rookie of the Year Award, 12 Gold Glove Awards, the home run title four times, and the stolen base title four times. Baseball fans will never forget his great achievements and great plays. Even after his death, his achievements will never fade.

[@markrabe4837]

My brother showed me a baseball card of him in 1966; I have been a Giant fan ever since!

[@allennezi1674]

That was a time when players love the game more than a paycheck.

[@bwilderd5082]

THE best! No question.

[@OriginalLabStudios]

What a legend.

[@Michael-ii9gy]

For anyone interested in Texarkana TX. Mike Brimmer has a baseball card from way back of Willie Mays Career probably worth money even with the minor damage!

[@christhompson6010]

I don’t feel sad about his passing he lived a long full life outlived most of his hall of famer companions. To be born in 1931 and live 24 years into the 21 century is a gift. I do feel sorry for those who didn't get to see him live on the field. It was like magic. Stats and video clips don’t do it justice. I don’t believe there is a player in baseball that has influenced more major league and hall of fame players in the game. Everybody wanted to be like mays not just fans but player who played against and with him. You didn't have to be a fan of baseball to enjoy what you were seeing. I remember thinking baseball was boring until saw him at Candlestick Park couldn't take my eyes off him no matter where he was on the field. His presence just outshined everyone around him. He represented everything that made baseball great true ambassador to the game. He belongs in his own hall of fame separate from others for making the game appeal to so many who never cared about it

[@frankpetrone2966]

Truly one of the greatest ball players of all time!

[@patrickburnsmusic]

Love the part around 4:05 where Vin Scully announces that Willie won 11 gold gloves, then Willie says "I won more than that." He sure did. God speed, Willie.

[@jsk910]

Willie was one of best in the same breath as mantle maris ruth, aaron u name them he was just a class act.

[@serioushex3893]

rest in peace to one of the absolute LEGENDS of the sport.

[@felixmadison5736]

May you rest in peace Willie, and God bless your family members. Please accept my condolences.

[@EastPeakSlim]

I'm old enough to have witnessed personally the Golden Age of Baseball in the 1960s. I saw greats like Ernie Banks, Frank Robinson and Henry Aaron. To my mind, Mays IS the best all-around baseball player to ever grace the diamond.

[@johnrodgers389]

My all time favorite player any sport lucky enough to see him play still have his statue pop bought me at the polo grounds original 5 tool player Best ever

[@annettemalaski1967]

I was hoping that Willie Mays would be here today to see the tribute to the Negro leagues in Rickwood Field! He was my favorite player growing up in the 60's and 70's. Rest In Peace Willie!

[@tackysum]

You can't overstate how great Willie Mays was. The original 5 tool player. hit for average, hit for power, field his position flawlessly (and with style), powerful arm to throw out base runners and great speed to steal a base or take an extra base. He stayed too long, but I don't begrudge him that. We didn't want him go either. Say Hey Willie.

[@user-ow6ps5wt4n]

Good season to 1931 the 2024. He was one of the best MLB players in the history now now I hope everybody will remember him.