Sports world reacts to Willie Mays' death on social media
One of baseball's greatest players has left us. Hall of Famer Willie Mays died on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93, the San Francisco Giants announced.
Mays patrolled center field like few who have ever played the game from the Polo Grounds in Manhattan to San Francisco's Candlestick Park.
A complete five-tool player, Mays left his mark on baseball.
Sports fans and athletes took to social media Tuesday evening to mourn his passing:
We join the baseball world in mourning the passing of Willie Mays.
Statement from Steve and Alex Cohen: https://t.co/wP4B7GJH9Lpic.twitter.com/5dWgQa5V93— New York Mets (@Mets) June 19, 2024
It was my pleasure and honor to have played against arguably the best @mlb @MLBPA player of all time. And to call #WillieMays my friend is incrediblyspecial #RIP “Say Hey” Kid pic.twitter.com/SFbH1kks41
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) June 19, 2024
Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person - and an inspiration to an entire generation. I’m lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I… pic.twitter.com/tpO3O9B9yc
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2024
I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”
RIP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024
The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers.The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play. pic.twitter.com/FTNSc99Kh1
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 19, 2024
He was a 24-time All-Star, a 12-time Gold Glover, a 2-time MVP, World Series champion, and a Hall of Famer.
The great Willie Mays has passed away. It was a privilege to know him. We were both honored by @MLB in 2010 with the Beacon Award, given to civil rights pioneers.
He was… pic.twitter.com/wdTTNUiEmt— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 19, 2024
When I was 8, my dad took me to an autograph session with Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Mantle had been his guy but he told me to take a picture with "The greatest player there has ever been." My dad never wavered in that belief. RIP to the greatest player there has ever been. pic.twitter.com/wEoh9YLWow
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 19, 2024
We deeply mourn the loss of the great Willie Mays. Not only was he a phenomenal player, but he was also a tremendous human being. Here’s to you, Willie. Say Hey to Yogi for us. pic.twitter.com/H79GgpYMb8
— Yogi Berra Museum (@YogiBerraMuseum) June 19, 2024
My heart is broken. All our hearts are broken. The world lost an absolute hero and treasure. The wonderful Willie Mays, a friend to all, died today. Peacefully. Two days before the big day at Rickwood Field. Greatest, most exciting player ever. He changed the world. He was 93.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) June 19, 2024
It’s a sad day for baseball, and a sad day for the world. RIP to Willie Mays — one of the true GIANTS of the game 🙏🏼⚾️ pic.twitter.com/O6fhIhHTpV
— Rick Heidrick (@rheidrick24) June 19, 2024
Rest in peace to a baseball legend, Willie Mays.
So, so many great memories of him. Here he was captured at the first Dodgers home game at the Memorial Coliseum in 1958 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OkDJIDEB46— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 19, 2024
Bill Walton, Jerry West and Willie Mays in a short span, three gigantic losses for the sports world.
— Peter Botte (@PeterBotte) June 19, 2024
The tributes for Willie Mays, who died today, may possibly, as they begin to come in, sound over the top to those unfamiliar.
They aren’t. The most complete, most thrilling baseball player of our time, that'll be the essence of it.
He brought joy to many, and to the game.— Guy Gavriel Kay (@guygavrielkay) June 19, 2024
Sad to hear the news that the great Willie Mays has passed away. I was honored to have met the man back in September 2022 and make this photo. pic.twitter.com/CXyhyZipLg
— Scott Strazzante (@ScottStrazzante) June 19, 2024
One of the best players to have ever played the game. Rest In Peace, Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/pSqNFPhBDK
— MetsAvenue (@MetsAvenue) June 19, 2024
I’ve always loved this photo of Joe DiMaggio and Willie Mays.
Two of the greatest centerfielders of all time.
Rest in peace, Willie. 🙏🏻💔 pic.twitter.com/gNgxgT9mFC— Cate (@nyy_cate) June 19, 2024
One of the best to ever play the game and even a better person. Thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family and loved ones. https://t.co/kiyCbfBqOi
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) June 19, 2024
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Willie Mays death: Sports world reacts on social media
