Biden honors trailblazing baseball icon Willie Mays following his demise in the MLB.
Baseball legend, Willie Mays, who spent 23 seasons in Major League Baseball predominantly with the New York Giants and San Francisco Giants, passed away on Tuesday, leaving a remarkable impact on the sport.
His career ended with 660 home runs, the second highest tally at the time, and his exceptional skill in the field was equally apparent, earning him 12 Gold Gloves and the famous "The Catch" in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series.
"Just like countless others in my hood and across the nation, when I played Little League, I aspired to play centerfield thanks to Willie Mays," said Biden in a statement on Wednesday.
"We'd emulate his basket catches, daring steals, and batting finesse, only to be reprimanded by coaches because no one could duplicate Willie Mays' talents."
"He was a unique fellow in many ways," Biden added.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, Mays' plaque praised "one of baseball's most vibrant and thrilling stars" who "shined in all facets of the game."
Former President Barack Obama honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, in 2015, recognizing Mays' "inspiring quiet example" of serving in the US Army and championing civil rights.
"A child of Jim Crow-era Alabama, he was part of the pioneering group of Black players from the Negro Leagues who infiltrated Major League Baseball," Biden stated.
"With his unique flair for play – always on the move, stamping his individuality, demonstrating power and elegance – the world paused to watch him play. He didn't just entertain, but inspired millions of people of all races to defy racial barriers in sports and in societal mindsets."
Each Major League Baseball game started with a moment of silence on Wednesday to honor Mays, and a mural depicting "The Say Hey Kid," created by artist Chuck Styles, was revealed in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.
Reporting by Kevin Dotson of CNN.
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After learning of Willie Mays' passing, Biden expressed his admiration, stating, "I aspired to play centerfield thanks to Willie Mays when I played Little League." Furthermore, Biden recognized Mays' impact on breaking racial barriers in MLB, stating, "He was part of the pioneering group of Black players from the Negro Leagues who infiltrated Major League Baseball."
