One of the greatest of all time- a true legend. I was at Candlestick Park for Game 4 of the 1989 World Series (the "earthquake series"), when Willie Mays threw out the pitch at age 58. He actually threw two pitches: the first pitch he launched into the upper deck behind home plate as if he was still in center field at the Polo Grounds in New York. The second pitch? A fastball for a strike, right down the middle. Rest in peace, Willie.
Very sad to see the passing of legend. I took my son to meet him at a signing maybe 20 years ago and still have the bat and ball hanging in my home office. 24 will always be one of my lucky numbers.
Greatest player I ever saw play… period. He could do everything with flair ( basket coach)…. He never used a base coach. My Mom and Dad took me to Seals Stadium in 1959 to watch him play. Cincy Redlegs beat Giants 12-4…. Frank Robinson hit two homers…. Mays had one homer in the loss. Saw him score from first on a single…. Ran through third base coach’s stop sign…. Knocked ball out of John Roseboro’s glove. Unbelievable! RIP Mr. Mays.
Rest in Peace Great Player enjoy Baseball in Heaven
Never saw Willie play he was before my time but as a high school & college baseball player he was the mark of excellence. Without question the greatest all -around player to ever play the game. His stats all though amazing do not do him justice. Played most of his games at Candlestick park not a hitter friendly park and lost 2 years out of his prime to serve in the military. The Say Hey Kid was a icon a legend and a gentleman as I got the privilege to meet him as he lived nearby in Atherton CA. A kind and caring man who was always generous with his time. RIP Willie Mays
Rest in peace, Willie, you truly were one of the greatest ball players of all time, if not the greatest. Such a legend!! Spent many times at the Stick watching you. Great, great man.
You know you’re getting older when most of you childhood heroes are gone. RIP “Say Hey Kid”!
When it comes to the skills needed to play baseball, Willie was the GOAT who could run, hit, catch and throw with the best of them in each category, but the only one who really did them all at a level others could only strive for.... Saw him play for the 1st time at Seals Stadium in 1958 and he was the best role model a kid could ask for....
Rest in peace to a San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays one of the greatest players to play in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Retired HR Executive
3moHe was my hero beginning when I grew up as a NY Giants fan (just like my dad!) in the NYC area. I saw him in his rookie year, 1951 at the Polo Grounds with my dad. I saw him make throws, catches, steal bases and his line drives every chance I got, and later when the Giants came to play the Mets. I finally met him in NYC in Jan, 2011 after the SF Giants won their first WS. He, Buster Posey and his wife and the Giants brass were invited to a gathering so that all the old NY Giant fans like me could see him in person. I flew there all the way from Austin, TX to shake his hand. He signed his autobiography for me and was very gracious. No one was as fun to watch play ball than Willie!