American baseball legend Willie Mays dies aged 93

HILLEL ITALIE
AP
New York Mets and San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays has died aged 93. (AP PHOTO)
New York Mets and San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays has died aged 93. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93.

Mays’ family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced he had “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday afternoon (local time) surrounded by loved ones.

The centre fielder was baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. His signature basket catch and his dashes around the bases with his cap flying off personified the joy of the game. His over-the shoulder catch of a long drive in the 1954 World Series is baseball’s most celebrated defensive feat.

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Over 22 seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants, Mays batted .302, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3283 hits, scored more than 2000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves.

He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times.

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