California Governor Mourns the Passing of Baseball Giant
Sacramento, CA - California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his deepest condolences today following the passing of San Francisco Giants legend and Baseball Hall of Famer, Willie Mays.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our friend, Willie Mays," Governor Newsom said in a statement.
"Willie was much more than a baseball icon. He shattered barriers and inspired countless Americans, setting records, bringing joy to millions of fans, and becoming a role model for aspiring athletes across generations."
Image on: PICRYL**A Life and Career Woven into the Fabric of Baseball**
Willie Mays, fondly nicknamed "The Say Hey Kid," passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around baseball players ever, Mays' illustrious career spanned over two decades, from the 1950s to the 1970s.
He played the majority of his career with the Giants, first in New York and then in San Francisco. A true star, Mays was selected to the All-Star game a remarkable 24 times and clinched the National League Most Valuable Player award in both 1954 and 1965.
"Major League Baseball mourns the loss of a legend," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "From the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, Willie Mays took his unmatched brilliance to the prestigious Giants team. He left an undeniable mark on the game, inspiring generations of players and fans across the nation."
**A Master of the Five Tools**
The name Willie Mays became synonymous with excellence on the field. He possessed a mastery of what baseball experts call "the five tools":
* **Hitting:**
Mays amassed a career total of 3,283 hits, boasting an impressive career batting average of 302.
* **Power Hitting:**
His career total of 660 home runs places him sixth on the all-time home run leaderboard.
"His legacy is cemented as the greatest player to ever grace the field," remarked Willie McCovey, Mays' longtime teammate in San Francisco. "There's no doubt about it."
Mays' exceptional command of the remaining three tools - speed, fielding, and throwing - is best exemplified by his legendary 1954 catch, forever etched in baseball history.
**The Catch: A Moment Etched in Baseball History**
During Game One of the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Mays made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch, racing back towards the centerfield wall and robbing the opposing team of a potential game-winning hit. Legendary announcer Jack Brickhouse famously described the catch as an almost unbelievable feat.
In a 2010 interview with NPR, Mays downplayed the idea of magic, attributing the catch to strategic thinking.
"It's all about proper sequencing," Mays explained. "I had to snag the ball, come to a complete stop, and then do a 360 [degree turn]. By the time I finished the turn, the ball should be back in the infield. The key for me was the throw - getting it back in quickly to prevent any advancement."
The Giants secured the win that game and ultimately triumphed in the World Series, sweeping the Indians four games to none. Although "The Catch" remains his most celebrated play, Mays himself considered another catch from his rookie year to be his personal best.
**More Than Just Athleticism: A Strategic Mind**
Beyond his undeniable athletic prowess, Mays' approach to the game was deeply rooted in strategy. He would often consult with teammates like Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver to develop winning strategies, showcasing his in-depth understanding of the game.
**A Showman on the Field**
Mays was known for his flamboyant style on the field, his iconic basket catch and his signature cap flying off during a run being some of his most recognizable trademarks. This flair for showmanship originated from his early days playing in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons, where entertainment was a significant aspect of the game.
**A Private Man Shaped by Challenges**
Despite his exuberant on-field persona, Mays was a private individual off the field, likely shaped by the challenges he faced growing up in the segregated South. He maintained a low profile, which occasionally drew criticism from prominent figures like Jackie Robinson for not being more outspoken during the civil rights movement.
**A Legacy Recognized Beyond Baseball**
In 2015, President Barack Obama presented Mays with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging his significant contributions to both civil rights and baseball. Mays' 22-season career, celebrated for its remarkable consistency and excellence, leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Baseball fans today honor "24" - Willie Mays' uniform number - remembering not just the number, but the truly great player who wore it.
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