Willie Mays recognized as a ‘immortal giant’ in U.S. Senate resolution
Willie Mays was honored Thursday in the U.S. Senate with a resolution recognizing him as someone who “personified the American Dream” by relying on a “relentless work ethic and determination” to become an “immortal giant” in baseball.
The Alabama native, who died June 18 at age 93, was honored with a resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, and Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler of California.
The resolution was voted with unanimous consent 43 days after the first-ever in-season Major League Baseball game in Alabama, which Britt attended. The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants took place on June 20 at historic Rickwood Field, and was labeled a “Tribute to the Negro Leagues” and served as a celebration of Mays’ legacy.
“Willie May is a true giant – simply put, he was the greatest of all-time,” Britt said in a statement Friday. “When he was on the field, he showcased more than incredible talent and skill—he brought a joyful exuberance to the game. Millions of Americans grew up looking up to this legendary Alabama native, dreaming of one day being like him.”
Tuberville, a former college football coach at Auburn, also said that Mays will “go down in history as one of the greatest” baseball players ever.
“He truly embodied the American dream and his legacy will last far beyond his incredible, inspiring lifetime,” Tuberville said in a statement, calling Mays a “true Alabama hero.”
Mays was born in 1931, in Jefferson County and became a standout multi-sport athlete at Fairfield Industrial High School.
At age 16, he began playing professional baseball with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American Leagues. In 1948, he helped guide the team to the Negro League World Series in what would end up being the last one ever played.
The Senate resolution highlights Mays’ professional baseball career, including his first-ever hit at Rickwood Field and his basket catch in deep center field to win Game 1 of the 1954 World Series in a moment forever remembered as “The Catch.”
Mays is the only player in MLB history with more than 300 home runs, 300 stolen bases, 3,000 career hits, and a career batting average greater than .300.
He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, on his first ballot. He was a 24-time selection to the All-Star Game, won two National League Most Valuable Player Awards (1954 and 1965), 12 Gold Gloves, and four National League home run leader titles. Mays was the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year.
The resolution also recognizes Mays’ service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954.
The resolution also acknowledges the address of Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, as 24 Willie Mays Plaza, in recognition to his “contributions and impact” on the Giants organization throughout his life. Mays began his MLB career with the New York Giants before the franchise relocated to San Francisco in 1958.
Mays, whose nickname was “the Say Hey Kid” was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. The award is the highest honor the President can award a civilian.