WILLIE MAYS SCHOLARS
Willie Mays left us a brilliant legacy that included not only the excellence he displayed on the baseball field, but also a strength of character that shone as brightly as his determination at the plate.
Willie Mays loved baseball. He loved playing the game, the camaraderie of being a teammate, the challenges of competition and the glories of winning. He lived life to the hilt and, he enthusiastically loved kids. The man exuded joy. His smile lit things up. His laugh was infectious. His boundless energy brought the ballpark fans to life, energized his team and inspired many a kid to learn the basket catch, (or at least to try!).
Photo: San Francisco Giants
There’s a saying that over time, people will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That describes Willie Mays perfectly. What a joy it was to watch Willie outplay, outsmart and outscore a rival, but no showboat was he. He was all about the team. His teammates worked to pass the standard of play that Willie set. His teams won. The Giants thrived through Willie’s tenure and even the out-of-town stadiums filled, when Willie came to play.
Photo: San Francisco Giants
His strength of character was evidenced in so many ways. He played almost every game. He was never thrown out of a game. His teammates were among his biggest fans. Kids loved him. He was approachable. He picked up neighborhood children and drove them to Candlestick Park, so they could watch the game. He got them home safely, too. He hosted hundreds of trick-or-treating children to his home for years. One of the lessons he tried to pass along to kids was that nobody does it alone. He told them that one of the best parts of life is being able to help others. We all can use encouragement. It helps build confidence. And, it can also point out opportunity.
Photo: San Francisco Giants
Photo: San Francisco Giants
Willie never forgot the teachers, mentors, coaches and friends who made a difference in his life. He always credited their involvement and support for his successes. When the Giants Community Fund came to Willie in 2021 with the idea of a scholarship program for San Francisco’s promising youth, Willie was all for it. Together the Giants Community Fund, Willie, and his Say Hey Foundation joined forces and introduced the Willie Mays Scholars program.
Photo: San Francisco Giants
Photo: San Francisco Giants
Photo: San Francisco Giants
Willie Mays never stopped loving baseball, never stopped finding the joys in life and always, always, always loved helping kids.
“Willie used to take players to clothing stores to buy them clothes. Sometimes he would get free clothes, shoes, and stuff, and give them to the players. He was like the mother of the team.”
— Juan Marichal