Alabama native, baseball legend Willie Mays dies at 93
FILE – Baseball great Willie Mays smiles prior to a game between the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Aug. 19, 2016. Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93. Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night, June 18, 2024, he had “passed away peacefully” Tuesday afternoon surrounded by loved ones. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — Willie Mays, baseball’s exuberant and electrifying ‘Say Hey Kid,’ has died at 93. The Giants and Mays’ family jointly announced his death.
Mays was born on May 6, 1931 and grew up in Westfield, Alabama. Westfield is a former coal mining town located 9 miles west of Birmingham.
The Giants center fielder, with his signature basket catch, was one of the game’s greatest and most beloved players.
He hit more than 600 home runs, totaled more than 3,000 hits and was a joy to behold in the outfield.
His over-the shoulder catch of a long drive in the 1954 World Series is baseball’s most celebrated defensive feat.
He had been baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer.
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