The oldest living Hall of Famer, Willie Mays, took his last breath on June 18, 2024, due to heart failure at an assisted living facility home in Palo Alto, California, as first announced by the Giants and later confirmed by Willie’s son Michael.
Famously known by his alias Say Hey Kid, Willie Mays was supposed to attend the game between the Giants and Cardinals in the MLB at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024.
Breaking News: Willie Mays, the spirited center fielder whose brilliance at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths for the Giants led many to call him the greatest all-around player in baseball history, died on Tuesday. He was 93. https://t.co/N3YA6EEX8q pic.twitter.com/EVaoFkjJxd
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 19, 2024
However, it seems that he was already in bad health, leading him to officially cancel his appearance through a public statement released on June 17.
Following the statement came the death news of one of the only two living members of the Black Baron, Willie Mays, who will be survived by his son Michael, as his wife is not alive anymore.
Michael Mays talks about his father’s legacy, while Barry Bonds paid tribute to his godfather
The only living family member of Willie Mays is his son Michael Mays, whom the legend and his first wife Marghuerite Wendell Chapman adopted a five-day-born child in 1958.
Willie Mays and Marghuerite Wendell married in 1956 and stayed together until their divorce in 1963.
Afterward, Michael spent most of his time with his mother and sister, Wilmia, from Wendell’s previous marriage, as Willie was her third husband.
The city of Birmingham has never left Willie Mays' heart.@TMobile got Harold Reynolds, Michael Mays, Alabama-native @JakePeavy_22 and @roywoodjr together to reflect on the 24-time All-Star's Alabama roots. pic.twitter.com/1cZjm6hWIT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 17, 2024
Unlike his legendary father, who dedicated his entire life to baseball, Michael seems far off from the diamond field as he is not a baseball player.
However, Michael praises his father’s dedication. He talked about No. 24’s retirement and how his father set a legacy for the younger generation in MLB.
Michael Mays is mostly seen talking about his father instead of his own life, so whether he is married or has a wife remains unknown.
He has also never revealed his career and educational background, keeping his personal details private until the end.
Yet, Michael has represented his father in most significant moments, such as the street naming ceremony honoring the legendary Willie Mays on New York State 155th Street in 2017.
Barry Bonds shared a heartfelt message about Willie Mays on his Instagram. 🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/pTWa2rZ5nk
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 19, 2024
On the other hand, Willie Mays was the godfather of his godson, Barry Bonds, because of the synergy between Willie and Bobby Bonds.
Barry thanked Willie for guiding him throughout his career and making him who he is today. He said, “Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a hug for me.“
May Willie Mays’ gentle soul rest in peace. We at Superslice send our regards to his family.
Additional Information
- Willie Mays was born to an athlete family in Westfield, Alabama, on May 6, 1931. His parents: father Cat Mays, was a talented baseball player, while his mother, Annie Satterwhite, was a high school basketball and track star.
- The baseball legend had Glaucoma since 2005, and many said that he went blind in 2018. However, it turned out to be false, as Willie mentioned that he had only a problem with vision and could still watch games on TV.
- Willie Mays also married his second wife, Mae Louise Allen, in 1971, and they stayed together for almost five decades till Alzheimer took her on April 19, 2013.
