CHICAGO — Willie Mays was in the hearts and minds of every member of the Giants Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Literally.
A day after his death at 93 years old, a commemorative patch was steam-pressed onto the left chest of every road gray jersey. Outlined in orange against a black backdrop sat Mays’ name and number, on the uniform of every Giants player and coach.
“He deserves everything, anything,” said Wilmer Flores when asked about honoring the player more synonymous with the Giants than any other. “I’m sure we’ll have something at home at the stadium when we come back. But it’s never going to be enough, whatever we do, I feel. It’s definitely a sad day.”
The Giants wore a patch commemorating Willie Mays on their left chest Wednesday, June 19, 2024, a day after he died at 93 years old. (Evan Webeck / Bay Area News Group)
It may not be enough, but it won’t be all the Giants and Major League Baseball do to celebrate the life and career of the 24-time All-Star.
Across the league Wednesday, a moment of silence was planned before first pitch at each ballpark. And in the visitors’ dugout at Wrigley Field, the Giants displayed Mays’ No. 24 jersey. But the emotions going through their minds against the Cubs paled in comparison to the anticipated reception Thursday at Rickwood Field, a short drive from Mays’ childhood home outside Birmingham, Alabama, and where he got his start in professional baseball for the Birmingham Black Barons.
“I think after last night, it’s actually heavier today,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We were going to celebrate him, regardless, but this obviously takes on more significance.”
The Giants will play the Cardinals in the first-ever major-league game hosted at the oldest professional ballpark in the country, with a commemoration of Mays’ life and career planned before first pitch.
“It really sucks that it happened two days before we’re playing at Rickwood Field,” starter Logan Webb said. “But we’re going to play in his honor. Willie is kind of the Giant. Like, he is the guy. We’re going to play for him. It’s going to be awesome and it’s going to be emotional. I’m excited to be able to be a part of that.”
The weeklong festivities preceding Thursday’s game and the ceremonies before first pitch were already planned to focus heavily on Mays, whose time with the Negro League’s Black Barons and eventual rise to stardom with the Giants provided connective tissue between the modern game and its segregated past.
The HBO documentary on his life, “Say Hey, Willie Mays,” was screened at a local theater Tuesday night, and a Birmingham-based artist was working on a large mural that will be unveiled this week. His son, Michael, and godson, Barry Bonds, have been on hand, with Bonds serving alongside Derek Jeter as one of the captains for Wednesday’s celebrity softball game. His squad was named the “Say Heys,” while Jeter’s was the “Hammers,” an ode to Hank Aaron.
“I obviously wish he was here with us to see it,” outfielder Mike Yastrzemski said. “But he’ll be watching over the game. It’s definitely one of those times to reflect on the important things in life. He had such an impact on this game and so many people. So to be involved in a celebration for him is an incredibly humbling experience.”
Could they take it a step further and wear No. 24, not on their chests, but on the backs of their jerseys, akin to the annual league-wide celebration of Jackie Robinson?
“For sure, I think so,” Melvin said. “For sure.”
“I don’t see why not,” Flores said. “It’s not our call, whatever we do. But I feel like that would be appropriate.”
Outfielder Heliot Ramos said, “I would love that,” and even suggested MLB retire the No. 24 across the league. Robinson’s No. 42 are the only digits to receive that treatment, though it has also been a topic of discussion surrounding Roberto Clemente’s No. 21, too.
“He was one of the greats,” Ramos said. “No better center fielder.”
When Melvin penciled Ramos into center field for the first time, he evoked Mays’ name, telling the rookie it was his chance to be Willie.
“When I said that to him, that just lit him up,” Melvin said. “Everybody wants to be Willie Mays. He’s inspired so many baseball careers, especially in the Bay Area.”
No doubt Mays was on the mind of Ramos that night, just as he will be for everyone Thursday in Birmingham.
“I don’t even think right now we can comprehend (the emotions),” Melvin said. “I think there’s going to be a lot, regardless. But now with this and his passing, I think it just goes to another level. I think once we get there and get a feel for what’s going on, then we’ll have a little better idea. But it’s going to be a special, signature day for me in my baseball career.”
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Bay Area event
A public celebration of Mays’ life is in the works, and the details will be announced at a later date.
In the meantime, the Giants announced plans to open Oracle Park on Thursday to provide fans an opportunity to pay their respects while tuning in to their game at Rickwood Field. The game will be televised on the scoreboard, and images of Mays will be displayed before and after.
In center field, there will be a ’24’ sculpture, and on the warning track, atendees will be able to sign a condolences book.
Gates open at noon, and first pitch in Alabama is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PT.