https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40382709/willie-mays-new-york-san-francisco-giants-legacy-joy-watch
We lost a legend, folks. He wasn't just a legend for MLB, but one of the greatest athletes ever. I'm not speaking hyperbole or delusions of grandeur either. The Say Hey Kid was the greatest baseball player who ever lived. He played in a league that was fully integrated and dominated. He played after coming back from service in the military and still dominated.
It wasn't rare back then for Selective Service to disrupt a sports career. Ted Williams, Joe Louis, and Jackie Robinson all had breaks in their outstanding careers to serve in the military. All three of those athletes were excellent hall of fame athletes (and in Joe Louis' case, an extraordinary boxer). Here's the difference: Joe Louis was probably a top 5, Jackie Robinson was a top 10, and Ted Williams I would say is in the top 8, but there was only one Willie Mays. Mays stands a cut above all other MLB players in pure talent, fielding, hitting, power, arm strength. Simply put, when it came to the sport of baseball he did everything and he did it well.
Not to wax poetic, but let me put this in perspective; this would be the equivalent to Michael Jordan or Wilt Chamberlain of the NBA. The guy was otherworldly gifted. He maximized his time on earth as a player, mentor and father. He was a giant of the sport (and he played for the Giants).
The game of baseball will remember you, good sir. Mr Mays, rest well you've earned it. Thanks for what you did on and off the field. Thank you for inspiring a generation of players in the sport of baseball. I'm glad the League gave you the flowers while you could still smell them.
Rest in peace to the Say Hey Kid, Mr Willie Mays. 🕊️ 🥺
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