The San Francisco Giants reverently commemorated the iconic Willie Mays with a heartfelt pregame ceremony on Monday during their first home game since Mays' recent passing. This special tribute, held to honor the life and unparalleled legacy of the Hall of Famer, took place before a crowd brimming with admiration and sadness. Mays passed away last Tuesday at the age of 93, leaving behind a monumental legacy that spanned over two decades with the Giants.
A Lasting Legacy Celebrated
Willie Mays' impact on baseball and beyond was vividly showcased during the 30-minute ceremony. The event featured a video montage highlighting some of the most memorable moments of Mays' illustrious career. Among the spotlighted achievements was Mays receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, a testament to his influence extending far beyond the diamond.
During his 21 seasons with the Giants, Mays put together a phenomenal career that will forever stand as a benchmark in the sport. He earned two MVP awards and was selected to 24 All-Star Games, illustrating his consistent excellence. Mays still holds the title for the Giants' all-time career leader in home runs (646), hits (3,187), extra-base hits (1,289), games played (2,857), and at-bats (10,477).
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow eloquently summarized Mays' wide-reaching impact, stating, "He won hearts on the East Coast, he won hearts on the West Coast, and everywhere in between."
An Emotional Tribute
The Giants' players and coaches paid their respects by donning Mays' number 24 jersey during the game. The visual sea of "24" on the field was a powerful, unifying gesture marking Mays' indelible mark on the club.
The tribute was not limited to San Francisco. Across the league, Major League Baseball recently staged a nationally televised game at Rickwood Field in Alabama titled "A Tribute to the Negro Leagues." This event honored Willie Mays along with other significant Black baseball stars, underscoring the broad influence and pioneering achievements of Black players in the sport's rich history.
Respects From Rivals
The admiration and respect for Mays transcended team allegiances. Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, whose team was the opponent for the Giants, expressed a sincere reverence before the game. "We're honored to be here tonight, and I'm sure the pregame will be a special time for sure," said Counsell. He added, "In that perspective, we're glad we could be here for part of the tribute."
As the Giants planned additional remembrances for their game against the Cubs, Mays' legacy continued to be a poignant presence, reminding everyone of what the "Say Hey Kid" meant to the game of baseball. His name remains etched in the annals of the sport, not just for his on-field prowess, but for the charisma and passion he brought to every play, every at-bat, and every interaction with his fanbase.
In these collective moments of remembrance, the baseball community showcased its unified respect for a giant of the game—a tribute befitting the legacy of Willie Mays, who will forever remain a beacon of athletic excellence and personal integrity in the world of sports.