Very sad news as Willie Mays died today, Tuesday, at the age of 93.

“All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast in New York and San Francisco, Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime.”

“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael Mays said in a statement released by the Giants. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”

MLB.com

My thoughts go out to his family, friends and all the fans he earned over his career and to this day.

Mays excelled in every aspect of the game that one could as a position player. He was a devastating hitter, with a .302/.384/.557 slash line. He was fast, hitting 141 triples and 525 doubles to go with his 660 home runs. He led the NL in stolen bases four times.

His defense was superb, as evidenced by his famous catch in the World Series. His defense was also based on superb positioning, and in the field he controlled the defensive alignment of the Giants fielders. He was literally the field manager.

Mays was already late in his career when I started watching baseball, so I didn’t get to see much of his best seasons. Mays and Hank Aaron did make those years exciting, however, as they both chased Babe Ruth‘s career home run record.

If you haven’t see the Willie Mays documentary, please do. You’ll learn a lot about the man and the ballplayer.