The history of baseball goes hand-in-hand with the history of New York and the tri-state area.
Reaction was swift and widespread from the New York sports world and beyond to the death of baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays. He died Tuesday at age 93, Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced. Mays’ electrifying combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players.
Mays began his MLB playing career with the New York Giants and ended it with the New York Mets.
Mays, a 24-time baseball All Star, also wore #24 throughout this career, a number that was retired by the New York Mets in 2022.
Steve and Alex Cohen from the New York Mets released a statement: "Willie Mays was one of the greatest to ever play the game. Willie ended his Hall of Fame career in Queens and was a key piece to the 1973 NL championship team. Mays played with a style and grace like no one else. Alex and I were thrilled to honor a previous promise from Joan Payson to retire his iconic #24 as a member of the Mets in 2022. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to Willie’s family and friends.”
The Yankees shared a statement on social media: "The Yankees join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Willie Mays, who was an iconic figure during a Golden Era of baseball in New York City and simply one of the greatest players that the game will ever see. We offer our deepest condolences to the Mays family, the Giants organization and all who knew him."
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One of the indelible images in New York baseball history is Mays making "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series at the Polo Grounds helping the New York Giants to a World Series win.
Derek Jeter described Mays as "one of the best to ever play the game and even a better person."
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"There will never be another Willie Mays," said Bernie Williams. "You don't play Centerfield without thinking of Mr. Mays. We should all celebrate and salute his legacy - - he transcended baseball, served our country and is a true American legend & icon."
New York Yankees great Paul O'Neill said, "Say Hey, you were my truly my idol, Willie. You will be missed."
Yankees All-Star Dave Winfield said it was "my pleasure and honor to have played against arguably the best [baseball] player of all time."
"Willie Mays was one of the most talented athletes to ever grace New York,." New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "He made history time and again, and left an indelible mark on baseball. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
