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Willie Mays. Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former MLB stars react to death of Willie Mays

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jun 18, 2024 10:39 PM ET

Baseball fans and players came together on Tuesday to mourn the death and celebrate the life of MLB icon Willie Mays.

Mays died peacefully at the age of 93. The San Francisco Giants announced the news on Tuesday via a post on X.

Mays received an outpouring of tributes from various sports icons shortly after news of his death went public.

Former MLB stars like Jose Canseco, CC Sabathia, and Frank Thomas paid homage to Mays on social media.

One of the best to ever play the game

Rest in Peace Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/JaTr7BRP8T

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) June 19, 2024

I’ll never forget this day when I walked in and heard, “that’s that boy who wears his hat like this.”

RIP Willie Mays. You changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream. Thank you for everything that you did on and off the field. Always in our hearts… pic.twitter.com/Xv2ZHbKFvt

— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) June 19, 2024

R.I.P to Willie Mays! There’s great players and then there’s True Legends. God Bless

— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 19, 2024

Several MLB teams were still playing when Mays’ death was announced. A few broadcasts were able to honor Mays while on air.

Longtime Giants announcer Jon Miller took a moment to break the news to viewers. Former MVP-turned-Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez, who entered the majors a year after Mays retired, shared a heartfelt moment he once had with the “Say Hey Kid.”

Jon Miller took a moment during the broadcast to acknowledge the passing of Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/4ZcXDouOfZ

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 19, 2024

"I got to tell him he was the greatest player I ever saw"

Keith Hernandez recalls his meetings with Willie Mays pic.twitter.com/j6BEI063fk

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 19, 2024

Mays also received love from names outside of baseball.

The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers.The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play. pic.twitter.com/FTNSc99Kh1

— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) June 19, 2024

I'm devastated to hear about the passing of the legendary Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the main reasons I fell in love with baseball. Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 19, 2024

RIP Willie Mays. I can't tell you how many childhood nights he ruined for me when his Giants played my Cardinals. He could beat you with homers and doubles and bunts and speed and range and glove and arm. No one ever had 5 greater tools or greater mystique. Say hey, sir.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 19, 2024

Mays’ list of accolades stacks up with any player in MLB history. Mays earned 24 All-Star nods and won two NL MVP awards throughout his career, spanning over two decades. He led the league in home runs four times and won the batting title in 1954 during his first MVP season.

Mays spent most of his career with the Giants franchise, playing for the organization from 1951-72. Mays started his MLB journey in New York before the franchise moved to San Francisco in 1958.

Mays was traded to the New York Mets midway through the 1972 season. He retired after the 1973 campaign at the age of 42. Both the Giants and Mets have retired Mays’ jersey.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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