SAN FRANCISCO — Willie Mays was honored during a public celebration of life at Oracle Park, where Giants dignitaries paid their respects. Mays, who passed away at age 93, received military honors for his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Former Giants players including Barry Bonds, Juan Marichal, and Dusty Baker honored the iconic player during the memorial service.
Baseball luminaries such as Commissioner Rob Manfred and Hall of Famers Joe Torre and Rickey Henderson attended the event. Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also shared tributes to Mays. Clinton recalled meeting Mays and bonding over their shared love for baseball, while Obama credited Mays with helping to bridge racial divides through his on-field greatness.
Obama presented Mays with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and shared a personal anecdote from a flight on Air Force One with the baseball legend. Bonds emotionally thanked Mays for his mentorship and guidance throughout his life, calling him a father figure and role model.
The memorial service at Oracle Park served as a fitting tribute to the legendary player, with touching speeches and memories shared by those who knew Mays best. The event highlighted Mays’ impact on the game of baseball and his lasting legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
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