The San Francisco Giants will honor the legendary Willie Mays and the legacy of the Negro Leagues with a special event at Oracle Park. Here’s everything you need to know about this commemorative occasion.
Event Details
Oracle Park, located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, will open its doors to the public on Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. The event is free of charge and aims to celebrate Willie Mays’ remarkable career and contributions to baseball.
Willie Mays: A Baseball Icon
Willie Howard Mays Jr., fondly known as “the Say Hey Kid,” was a prominent American professional baseball center fielder. His illustrious 23-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB) included stints with the New York / San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. Mays’ achievements place him among the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Career Highlights
Mays played for the Giants from 1951 to 1972, during which the team relocated from New York to San Francisco. Before his MLB career, he showcased his talents with the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro American League, underscoring his pivotal role in both the Negro Leagues and MLB.
Commemorative Activities
At Oracle Park, the tribute will feature various activities, including:
- Scoreboard Broadcast: Starting at 4:15 p.m. Pacific time, the ballpark’s scoreboard will televise a game between the Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where Mays once played.
- Memorial Messages: Fans and attendees can leave messages of remembrance and appreciation for Willie Mays and his impact on baseball history.
Tribute from the Negro Leagues Museum
The Negro Leagues Museum expressed profound sorrow over Mays’ passing, emphasizing his embodiment of the spirit of the Negro Leagues and his journey to becoming a Hall of Famer. The museum extended heartfelt condolences to Mays’ family and his global fanbase.
Personal Reflections
Fans, like Willie Robertson, reminisced about Mays’ generosity and impact on their community, highlighting how he brought pride and joy to Birmingham through his achievements.
Conclusion
Join us at Oracle Park on Thursday to honor Willie Mays, celebrate his enduring legacy, and pay tribute to his remarkable career in baseball. This event promises to be a heartfelt commemoration of a true baseball icon.