Reactions to the death of Willie Mays, “a true giant on and off the field”

Reactions from the world of sport and beyond to the Death of Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays. He died on Tuesday at the age of 93, Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants announced jointly. Mays’ electrifying combination of talent, drive and enthusiasm made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players.

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“I am devastated and overwhelmed with emotion. I have no words to describe what you mean to me – you made me who I am today. Thank you for being my godfather and always being there for me. Give my dad a big hug from me. Rest in peace Willie. I love you forever. #SayHey” – Former batsman and Mays’ godson Barry Bonds.

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“His incredible accomplishments and statistics cannot begin to describe the awe that comes with watching Willie Mays dominate the game in every way imaginable. We will never forget this true giant on and off the field.” — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

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“Rest in peace, Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything you did on and off the field. You will always remain in our hearts.” — Former pitcher CC Sabathia.

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“I am devastated to hear of the passing of legendary Hall of Famer Willie Mays. He was 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.” — NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

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“The great Willie Mays has died. It was a privilege to know him. We were both honored by @MLB 2010 with the Beacon Award, which is given to civil rights pioneers. He was such a kind soul who helped my brother Randy in his first year at the @SFGiants. My deepest condolences to his family. We will miss him.” — Tennis legend Billie Jean King.

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“Willie finished his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key player on the 1973 NL Championship team. Mays played with style and elegance like no other. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise made by Joan Payson to retire his iconic number 24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie’s family and friends.” – Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen.

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“From his professional debut with the Birmingham Black Barons at age 17 to his 24 All-Star games to his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1979, Willie’s on-field skills and off-field impact elevated him to a larger-than-life magnitude.” — Tony Clark, executive director of the MLB Players Association.

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“The great Willie Mays has passed away. I had the honor of speaking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his catch in the 1954 World Series in City Slickers. The man who hit the ball and the “Giant” who caught it have signed this ball. RIP #24… it’s exciting to watch you play.” — Actor Billy Crystal.

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“The best player I ever saw. The greatest player. I was fortunate to grow up in the Bay Area during Mays’ heyday, and he was a five-tool player, an exceptionally good five-tool player. You’d go to a game and he’d do something. Whether it was a great catch, a great throw, a stolen base, a home run, he’d do anything. He was just that kind of player. … What always came across was that he was the ‘Say Hey Kid.’ He had this exuberant personality. Contagious and genuine, and I have to tell him he was the greatest player I ever saw.” – Former player Keith Hernandez.

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