Willie Mays Honored by Obama, Bonds, Baker, More at Giants’ Celebration of Life

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 9, 2024

Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants held a public Celebration of Life in honor of legendary Hall of Famer outfielder Willie Mays on Monday.

SFGiants @SFGiantsHonoring #24 at @OracleParkSF pic.twitter.com/mZojiniSz7

SFGiants @SFGiantsOne of the most impactful athletes to ever live. pic.twitter.com/OEUqExbjCI

Former Giants manager Dusty Baker, Giants legend Barry Bonds, ex-San Francisco ace pitcher Juan Marichal and former President Bill Clinton were among those who celebrated Mays. Former United States President Barack Obama also delivered a video message.

Janie McCauley of the Associated Press listed others in attendance.

“Some others in attendance were former President Bill Clinton — a dear friend of Mays — Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, executive and former manager and player Joe Torre, Hall of Famers Dennis Eckersley, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson and Juan Marichal and retired managers Dusty Baker and Felipe Alou. Former Giants owner Bob Lurie, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and former Mayor Willie Brown, and retired longtime National Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson also attended the memorial.”

Baker and Bonds’ comments can be found below.

SFGiants @SFGiantsA classic Willie Mays story from Dusty Baker pic.twitter.com/sxYo5cTAWz

SFGiants @SFGiantsThe gift Willie Mays gave @BarryBonds 🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/Ur8ITOeLcg

Mays’ son, Michael, also provided poignant words.

SFGiants @SFGiants”You play this game for the 25th guy, the one who needs the most help.”

– Michael Mays, son of Willie. pic.twitter.com/TCdxJpG86t

Clinton appeared and spoke on Mays’ legacy.

SFGiants @SFGiants”The effort is the prize.”

Powerful remark from @BillClinton on the legacy of Willie Mays: pic.twitter.com/FzsqIIgrk8

Considered the consummate five-tool player, Mays is considered by some to be the best ballplayer who ever lived. The Say Hey Kid also earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 from President Obama:

SFGiants @SFGiantsA message from President @BarackObama pic.twitter.com/uUBd88vKXA

Mays also served in the United States Army in Fort Eustis in Virginia from 1952-1954 after being drafted during the Korean War. The Army honored Mays during the ceremony.

Janie McCauley @JanieMcCAPTaps is played in a special ceremony as late Hall of Famer Willie Mays receives final military honors and son Michael is presented with an American flag. pic.twitter.com/2DePAP82gr

Mays was a two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star and 12-time Gold Glove Award winner who also led the Giants to the 1954 World Series title. His 660 home runs rank sixth all time, and he is also just one of eight players to score 2,000 or more runs.