While a lot of athletes dominate the game, it’s not too often that they transcend the sport they play. But those who do forever leave an impact not only on the game but on society too. And unfortunately, the world lost one such icon on Tuesday due to heart failure. We are talking about baseball legend Willie Mays. Baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer, who also received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama in 2015, took his final breath yesterday afternoon at the age of 93. Honoring Mays’ life and his impact, vet analyst Stephen A. Smith opened his pod with a heartfelt tribute to the legend.

He put him among some of the greatest civil rights leaders in sports. Most people remembering Mays would talk about his two NL MVPs, his 24 All-Star selections, or even his 12 gold gloves. However, Stephen A. sees his life through a different lens, “When I think about the passing of Willie Mays, I think about something else. I think about Muhammad Ali, I think about Bill Russell, I think about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, I think about Wilt Chamberlain… individuals who were revered for years. Who had to deal with so much vitriol and venom because of bigotry because of racism and such.”

Mays began his baseball journey in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro American League. That’s when people were getting used to seeing African American players in the league after Jackie Robinson had broken the color barrier. Against all odds, at the peak of racial tensions in the nation, Mays turned into one of the most influential athletes. He made his MLB debut with the New York Giants and even bagged the ROTY award in 1951. He then put his career on hold because the ‘Say Hey Kid’ was drafted to the US Army to serve in the Korean War. Willie was among the select athletes like Bill Russell and Kareem, who stood in the face of bigotry and racism while excelling in their respective sports. “That is when true GOAT status comes into the equation,” Smith said.

As the entire nation mourns the passing of the baseball legend, former President Barack Obama also sent out a heartfelt message about the time he spent with Mays, “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 send our deepest condolences to his family.” Notably, Obama, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony nine years ago, also acknowledged how Mays paved the way for him to even think about becoming a President one day.

From 660 home runs to serving in the US Army, Willie Mays paved the way for today’s generation

By becoming an icon in an era when there were not many renowned and loved African American athletes in the nation, Willie Mays broke several barriers and laid the foundation for the success of future athletes. And not just him, even legends like Muhammad Ali, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were also working toward the same goal. Be it as a player, as a coach, or a retired individual, Russell always fought for what he believed was right. From organizing the first player boycott in 1961 because two of his teammates were refused hotel service for the sole reason that they were African American, to joining Kareem and other athletes in support of Ali’s stance of not serving in the Vietnam War at the Cleveland Summit in 1967, Bill Russell was always more than just a basketball player.

Meanwhile, Willie Mays, with his incredible 25-year career and countless individual accolades has inspired millions to follow his path and work toward their dreams amid adversity. Undeniably, it’s because of their efforts that players today are earning millions in salary, irrespective of their color, race, and background. “It’s how he’ll be remembered forever as arguably the greatest baseball player who ever lived.” Stephen A. Smith said about Willie. With his impact on and off the diamond, Willie’s legacy will live on for eternity. And now he can rest in heaven with his pals Russell and Ali.

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