Tributes are pouring in following the death of legendary baseball player Willie Mays, including Barack Obama, Charles Barkley and Derek Jeter paying tribute to the MLB icon.
Mays, who died aged 93, was remembered as a “wonderfully warm and generous person” by the 44th President Obama, who shared a photo of the couple together.
“Willie Mays was not just an extraordinary athlete, blessed with an unparalleled combination of grace, skill and strength,” Obama wrote. X.
‘He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person – and an inspiration to a whole generation. I am fortunate to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley – himself born in Alabama, like Mays – called CNN to pay tribute to the baseball star.
Willi Mays, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, has died at the age of 93
Mays received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2015
“Most of us black athletes, we have no idea what these guys have been through… To try to be great at a sport, and then deal with all the racial conflict that these guys had to deal with, that makes them to heroes. ,’ he said.
“It’s easy for guys to be heroes these days when you make $30, 40, 50 million dollars playing sports,” he continued. ‘You can say what you want, you can do what you want. But trying to be great at a sport, like I said, if you can’t stay at a certain hotel, you can’t go to a certain restaurant… that’s what Mr. Mays, Hank Aaron, Larry Doby makes – that’s what makes those guys heroes.”
Yankees legend Derek Jeter added on X that Mays was “one of the best players to ever play the game and even a better person.” Thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family and loved ones,” he said.
And former Giants slugger Barry Bonds – who was Mays’ godson – wrote an emotional tribute on Instagram.
‘I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion. I have no words to describe what you mean to me. You helped shape me into who I am today. Thank you for being my godfather and always being there. Give my father a hug from me.
“Rest in peace Willie, I love you forever. #Saying hello’
