WILLIE
HOWARD
MAYS, JR.

Willie Mays Signature in black Sharpie marker

The Say Hey Foundation creates opportunities for youth in underserved communities by providing education, athletics, safe spaces, and wraparound support through trusted local partners.

Audio: Jack Brickhouse / NBC television
Photo: New York Daily News Archive

“I played for the fans, and I wanted to make sure each fan that came out would see something different I did each day.”

— Willie Mays

SAN FRANCISCO, CA —
On what would have been his 95th birthday, Giants legend Willie Mays received the ultimate gift, as the San Francisco Giants and Say Hey Foundation, in conjunction with senatorial sponsoring parties, announced the designation of the Willie Mays Highway.

Video courtesy of San Francisco Giants

Senate Concurrent Resolution 169, brought forth by Senators Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) with several co-sponsors, provided for the portion of I-80 from approximately 19th Steet to Beale Street to be renamed the Willie Mays Highway. The post-miles were installed between Postmile 3.836 and Postmile 5.700.

“What an incredibly special way to honor Willie’s legacy,” said Larry Baer, Giants president and CEO. “For generations, this portion of I-80 on the Bay Bridge has carried Giants fans into San Francisco, and now it will forever carry Willie’s name—a lasting reminder of the joy and inspiration he brought to this city. It is also fitting that this same span of the bridge is named after former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Jr., two great San Franciscans.”

Mays, who first called San Francisco home in 1958 when the Giants began play on the west coast, hit .301 lifetime with 660 home runs. He was a two-time MVP, won 12 Gold Gloves for defensive excellence and was named to 24 All-Star teams during his illustrious Hall of Fame career.

“We are greatly appreciative to our generous Say Hey Foundation supporters Jim and Kim Worthington, and the San Francisco Giants, for donating the funds to assure this program happened,”said Jeff Idelson, executive director of the Say Hey Foundation. "Wille was more than a baseball great, he was a part of the fabric that helped define San Francisco culture for more than a half century. Not only is this a fitting way to recognize his lasting contribution to the community, but it furthers Willie’s legacy as a national icon.”

Senators Dodd and Wiener, who led the charge to have the resolution passed, expressed their pleasure. "I cannot think of anyone better to welcome people traveling across the Bay Bridge to San Francisco than Willie Mays. He was an inspiration to so many of us growing up. I was so pleased to have had a part in making this happen," said Senator Dodd.

“Willie Mays was a San Francisco original,” said Senator Wiener. “A peerless talent and unforgettable presence on the field, he dedicated untold hours to serving his community and empowering young people from humble beginnings to play sports. He broke barriers as one of the first Black players in Major League Baseball, empowering generations of athletes to follow their dreams. It’s only right that we honor him and the Say Hey Foundation publicly, in the community he loved, and I’m thrilled to present this resolution to do so.”