Back in 2009, I gave Willie a ride on Air Force One to the All-Star game in St. Louis. I’ll never forget that day because it was one of the few times when I wasn’t the most important person on the plane. Everyone was excited to see Willie. And I was, too. I told him that if it hadn’t been for folks like him and Jackie Robinson leading the way, I might never have made it to the White House. The spirit Willie brought to the game and the way he carried himself not only changed baseball – it also changed people’s attitudes, and helped young Black and brown kids see themselves differently. We are lucky to be able to walk this earth with Willie Mays, and I’m glad he’s still going strong. (John Shea and Tal Kopan)— Barack Obama | 44th President of the United States— Bill Clinton | 42nd President of the United States— George W. Bush | 43rd President of the United StatesAll of us who have been with the organization for a while have been extremely lucky to have players like Willie Mays in the clubhouse as frequently as he is. I think what stands out the most when I think about his time in the clubhouse is how much he enjoys talking shop with the guys, and he still has a great sense of humor. (Shea)— Buster Posey | Giants catcherTo any baseball fan, Willie Mays is an absolute legend. He’s one of the best players in the history of the game. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to get to know him more over the years. It always amazes me how much he still pays attention and knows exactly what’s going on with each of us. (Shea)— Brandon Crawford | Giants shortstop— Steph Curry | Warriors guardI am so fortunate to call Willie Mays my dear friend. Wills, as I call him, is loyal, funny, generous, and has given my daughters and me so many wonderful memories and experiences by inviting us into Willie’s world. He is undoubtedly a baseball legend bigger than life to most baseball fans, but to me, he is Wills, a unique gift to the world for sure, but for me a friend that I love and admire simply as the special human he is. (Shea)— Martha Whetstone | Presidential appointee of Bill Clinton who introduced Mays to the president— Juan Marichal | Hall of Fame pitcher and Giants legend— Orlando Cepeda | Hall of Famer and Giants legendEvery day, Willie did something big. I remember his 500th homer, his 600th homer, his 3,000th hit. He and Roberto Clemente were the best overall players I’ve ever seen. My first year in the big leagues was 1965, and Willie hit 52 home runs that year, 17 in August alone. At 34 years old, do you believe that? I played seven years with Willie and wanted to get on base because every time he hit a home run, I was at home plate and always in the photo. (Shea)— Tito Fuentes | Former Giants infielder— Vin Scully | Hall of Fame broadcaster— Felipe Alou | Former Giants outfielder and managerEvery time I see Willie, I see the face of greatness. I’m forever grateful for the way he welcomed me to the Giants organization.
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