“Say Hey Kid” is no more. One of America’s biggest icons, Willie Mays, passed away of heart failure on Tuesday. He was 93. Forever considered as perhaps the greatest of all time by not just San Francisco Giants fans but all baseball lovers, Mays was a special talent. From the get-go, he charmed enthusiasts with his athleticism and graceful yet entertaining style. However, there was more to him than just baseball.

Beyond his sporting career, Mays helped countless kids through his philanthropic foundation – Say Hey Foundation. Willie Mays’ contribution in helping African Americans get their due recognition in baseball turned him into a cultural icon. During his time, it was rare to see a player as gifted as him, when it came to baseball. A true five-tool player, there was a time when fans turned up just to see Mays’ trademark moves. 

Even though Willie Mays was a 24x All-Star and won a World Series in his 23 years, it wasn’t his accolades that mattered, but the way he did it. Spending most of his 23 years in the Giants, he first won the heart of New York. Then, he became a San Francisco Icon. From wearing a small cap to make it fly when he ran (fans loved seeing that), to regularly making unorthodox and unusual swings, Mays was as much an entertainer as a player. Moreover, he was perhaps the first who understood the importance of keeping the fans happy.

With such a deep history (perhaps only rivaled by Babe Ruth), Mays’ demise has shocked the country. Not only is the baseball world in mourning but the entire sporting world has been impacted by this tragic news. From former POTUS Barack Obama to Mays’ godson Barry Bonds, many have shared their heartfelt messages to the all-time great, besides elaborating on their memories of watching or interacting with Willie Mays. 

Sporting world “Devastated” after the demise of Willie Mays

“I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion,” Barry Bonds wrote on his social media accounts after the saddening news broke. “I have no words to describe what you mean to me – you helped shape me to be who I am today. Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a hug for me. Rest in peace Willie, I love you forever.,” he added.

Bonds shared a deep relationship with Willie Mays. As he shared, Mays was his Godfather and a true guide throughout his career. When Bonds signed with the San Francisco Giants, it was Mays who gave him the blessing to wear his iconic no. 24 jersey (even though it was retired). However, due to Bonds’ huge respect for the legend, he ended up wearing no. 25 (the same as his father).

In 2015, Barack Obama awarded Willie Mays with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill, and power,” Obama wrote after Mays’ demise, continuing, “He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person – and an inspiration to an entire generation.” Previously, Mays had stated that he never envisioned witnessing a Black president during his lifetime. Perhaps, that’s why their relationship was always cordial and full of respect. 

“He was a guiding light for everyone who came after him. I’ll never forget the moment we met and I was able to shake the hand of a true legend,” Alex Rodriguez wrote. Mays’ loss had an effect outside of baseball as well, with NFL star Patrick Mahomes posting “RIP to a true legend,” on his X account. Certainly, Willie Mays’ departure has shaken the entire sporting world.

But it’s understandable; legends like Mays come once in a generation (or maybe once in forever). So, with a heavy heart, the baseball world bids goodbye to this absolute legend. Rest in Peace, Willie – there wasn’t and there never will be another one like you.