Willie Mays, a name synonymous with baseball greatness, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93 due to heart failure. At the time of his death, Mays held the distinguished title of the game’s oldest living Hall of Famer. His legacy, however, goes far beyond numbers and accolades, embodying a golden era of baseball and an indomitable American spirit.

Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Willie Howard Mays Jr. grew up surrounded by the vibrant world of Negro league baseball, where his father played for the local iron plant team. His mother was a standout athlete in high school, and it quickly became evident that young Willie had inherited their athletic prowess. Before even graduating high school, Mays was already making waves in the Negro Southern League and soon joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Major Leagues.

In 1951, at the tender age of 20, Mays signed with the New York Giants for $6,000. His meteoric rise was swift and spectacular. Joining the Giants midseason, he immediately made an impact, displaying the raw talent and exuberance that would define his career. Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, his roommate and mentor, recalled, “You could see right away that this young man was a natural. He had those real big hands, great power and speed, and would catch everything hit in his direction. He’s the best center fielder that ever lived, no question.”

Mays’ debut season culminated in winning the NL Rookie of the Year award and helping the Giants clinch the pennant in a dramatic three-game playoff against the Brooklyn Dodgers. His presence in the on-deck circle during Bobby Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” epitomized the electrifying atmosphere of New York baseball in the 1950s.

The “Say Hey Kid” quickly became a household name, captivating fans with his dynamic playing style. His prowess wasn’t just in his batting, but also in his extraordinary fielding ability. Mays popularized the basket catch and was known for his iconic cap flying off as he dashed around the bases. His legendary catch in the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, often referred to simply as “The Catch,” remains one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. Running at full speed, Mays caught the ball over his shoulder some 450 feet from home plate, then spun and hurled it back to the infield, preserving a crucial tie in the game.

Mays’ career spanned 22 major league seasons, with the majority spent with the Giants in both New York and San Francisco following the team’s relocation in 1957. He finished his career with the New York Mets, a stint that included helping the team reach the 1973 World Series. Despite a less-than-ideal final season, Mays left an indelible mark on the game.

Throughout his career, Mays racked up 3,283 hits, 660 home runs, and was a two-time National League MVP. At the time of his retirement, his home run total was third in major league history, trailing only Babe Ruth and his contemporary, Hank Aaron. Mays was also a 12-time Gold Glove winner and was named to a record-tying 24 All-Star teams, a testament to his enduring excellence and popularity.

The impact of Mays’ career extends beyond the statistics. He was a trailblazer and a symbol of excellence during a transformative period in American sports. President Joe Biden, reflecting on Mays’ influence, stated, “When I played Little League, I wanted to play centerfield because of Willie Mays. It was a rite of passage to practice his basket catches, daring steals, and command at the plate – only to be told by coaches to cut it out because no one can do what Willie Mays could do.”

Indeed, Mays’ influence on the game is immeasurable. He played with a flair and joy that transcended the sport, making him a beloved figure across generations. His induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, with 94.7% of the vote, cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Mays’ career was not without its challenges. He missed part of the 1952 season and all of 1953 due to military service during the Korean War. Yet, his return to baseball in 1954 was nothing short of triumphant, leading the National League in batting average and home runs, and earning his first MVP award.

From 1954 to 1966, Mays consistently performed at an elite level, rarely batting below .300 and frequently leading the league in home runs and stolen bases. His versatility and athleticism made him a unique player, capable of changing the game with both his bat and his glove. Sandy Koufax, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, once remarked, “I can’t believe that Babe Ruth was a better player than Willie Mays. Ruth is to baseball what Arnold Palmer is to golf. He got the game moving. But I can’t believe he could run as well as Mays, and I can’t believe he was any better an outfielder.”

Mays’ influence continued even after his playing days. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, who praised Mays for his contributions both on and off the field. “I’m proud of this one, man,” Mays said upon receiving the award. “I’ve been kind of blessed in my life with people giving me awards for just playing baseball. You can’t compare this with any baseball award.”

Willie Mays’ life and career serve as a reminder of the enduring power of sports to inspire and unite. His legacy is not just in the records he set or the games he won, but in the countless fans who saw him play and the generations of players who followed in his footsteps. As we remember the “Say Hey Kid,” we celebrate not only a baseball legend but a true American hero whose spirit and talent will never be forgotten.

Willie Mays is survived by his son, Michael, from his first marriage, and his godson, Barry Bonds, the all-time home run leader and son of Mays’ former teammate, Bobby Bonds. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere.