7 celebs who honored MLB legend Willie Mays with emotional tributes ft. Barack Obama, Patrick Mahomes & more
The baseball world was shocked to learn about the death of former World Series champion Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93 on Tuesday. The San Francisco Giants informed about his death on social media. Since then, many popular celebrities joined in to pay tribute to the MLB and Negro League legend.
Here's a look at seven celebrities who paid their respects to WIllie Mays on social media.
7 celebs who paid tribute to the late great Willie Mays on social media
#1. Robert Griffin III sends his condolences to Willie Mays' family
ESPN analyst and former Washington Redskins quarterback shared his condolences for Willie Mays' family through his post on X/Twitter:
"Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of the Legendary Willie Mays who passed away today. Rest in Peace to the Say Hey Kid. You will never be forgotten."
#2. Magic Johnson "devasted" to learn about the death of "Say Hey Kid"
The five-time NBA champion also paid tribute to the 24-time All-Star while mentioning Mays as being the reason he watched baseball:
"I'm devastated to hear about the passing of the legendary Hall of Famer Willie Mays, one of the main reasons I fell in love with baseball. Cookie and I are praying for his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time," Johnson said.
#3. Rapper MC Hammer remembers Willie Mays
The popular rapper also shared his prayers for Willie Mays on X:
#4. Chuck D was a fan of Willie Mays
Rapper Chuck D remembered two names the American sports world lost this month:
"Jerry West now Willie Mays. Hard to describe my boyhood fandom this week. Its why i ART them," the rapper tweeted.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend died earlier this month, on June 12.
#5. Patrick Mahomes sends his prayers for the Giants legend
The three-time Super Bowl champion and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback sent his prayer following the death of Willie Mays:
#6. Former US President Barack Obama and wife express their condolences
Joining the wave of tributes was former US President Barack Obama, who remembered Mays as someone who inspired an entire generation. He cherished the time he spent with the baseball legend:
"Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power. He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person - and an inspiration to an entire generation. I’m lucky to have spent time with him over the years, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family," Obama tweeted.
#7. Billy Crystal talks about the time Mays signed a ball for him
American comedian Billy Crystal recalled the time Mays autographed a ball which he shared on social media while remembering him:
"The great @Willie Mays has passed away. Had the honor of talking with him several times. He loved that we mentioned his ‘54 World Series catch in @CitySlickers. The man who hit the ball and the “ Giant” who caught it signed this ball. RIP #24.. a thrill to watch you play," Crystal wrote on X.
Willie Mays will further be honored this Thursday at MLB's Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama on the occasion of the Negro League Tribute Game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.