Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) mourned baseball great Willie Mays in a statement Tuesday.
“Giants fans – and all Americans – mourn the loss of a San Francisco icon and an all-time great player: Willie Mays,” Pelosi said of the former San Francisco Giants player.
“The Say Hey Kid was a trailblazer, from the baseball diamond to the fight for civil rights,” the California Democrat continued. “A generational talent with an unbreakable spirit, he was dazzling to watch play ball as he made his way from the Negro Leagues to Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame. And by overcoming racism and discrimination on the field, Willie opened the bench doors for generations of black athletes.”
According to a declaration of the San Francisco Giants, who did not provide a cause of death, Mays died on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93. Mays played for the Giants for 21 seasons and was an All-Star 24 times, according to the release.
“Willie Mays was a national treasure who left an indelible mark on the lives of generations of Americans,” Pelosi continued in her statement. “May it be a comfort to his son, Michael, his dear friend, John Shea, and all of his loved ones that so many today pray for them during this sad time and remain committed to continuing Willie’s extraordinary legacy.”
Former President Obama, Who awarded Mays the Presidential Medal of Freedom nine years ago, also praised Mays, referring to the baseball icon as “an inspiration to an entire generation” on Tuesday.
“Willie Mays was not just a singular athlete, blessed with an incomparable combination of grace, skill and power,” Obama said in a statement on the social platform X. “He was also a wonderfully warm and generous person – and an inspiration to an entire generation .”
“I am lucky to have spent time with him over the years and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family,” he added.
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