Willie Mays, considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time, died Tuesday. San Francisco Giants AnnouncedHe was 93 years old when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Mays was born in Westfield, an unincorporated mining town outside Birmingham, in 1931. He began his professional career while attending Fairfield High School, joining the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. At just 17 years old, Mays quickly became one of the top players in the Negro Leagues.

“The first big thing I set my mind to was to play at Rickwood Field. It wasn't a dream. It was what I was going to do,” Mays wrote recently. “I worked hard to become one of the Birmingham Black Barons and I was going to play at Rickwood Field. That's where I got started. My first job. I'll never forget it. Rickwood Field was where I played my first home game and playing there was IT. It was everything I ever wanted.”

In-game tribute to Willie Mays during the MiLB game at Rickwood. 🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/roKgNF3gQd

— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2024

By 1951, Mays had joined the MLB Giants, where he would play for the next 20 years. During his illustrious career, the “Say Hey Kid” earned numerous accolades, including 24 All-Star selections, two MVP awards, 12 Gold Glove awards and was a one-ballot Hall of Famer.

Mays, who announced this week that he would not be able to attend Thursday's MLB game at Rickwood Field, died surrounded by his family in Palo Alto, California.

“My father passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved,” said Willie's son, Michael Mays. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the unwavering love you showed my father over the years. You all meant life to him.”

Tributes poured in from across the country as news of Mays' death broke.

Willie Mays was more than just an athlete with grace, skill and strength. He was also an incredible, warm and generous person who inspired an entire generation. I was blessed to spend many years with him. Michelle and I… pic.twitter.com/tpO3O9B9yc

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2024

“Willie Mays was more than just an athlete with grace, skill and strength. He was also a remarkable, warm and generous person who inspired an entire generation,” former President Barack Obama wrote. “I was fortunate to spend many years in his company, and Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to his family.”

Rep. Teri Sewell called it a “huge” loss.

“Today the world lost a baseball legend and we in Birmingham lost a local hero,” said Rep. Sewell (D-Birmingham). “A master of his craft and a pioneer in his own right, Willie Mays left a legacy of unmatched skill, courage, determination and humility. His extraordinary career broke barriers for generations of Black athletes to follow in his footsteps, and his loss will be deeply felt as we pay tribute to the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field.”

“I am praying for his family, friends and teammates.”

This week, while the world focuses on Birmingham and the proud traditions of the Negro Leagues, we lost one of the greatest players of all time.

In a sports world filled with giants, few can surpass Willie Mays. pic.twitter.com/yYAFROekZv

— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) June 19, 2024

“This week, while the world focuses on Birmingham and the proud traditions of the Negro Leagues, we lose one of the greatest players to ever hold a bat,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin wrote. “In a sports world filled with giants, few were greater than Willie Mays.”

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Willie Mays. This Fairfield native breathed new life into baseball with his incredible talent and infectious spirit. His legacy as a pioneering African-American athlete will continue to inspire generations to come. A true Alabama legend. https://t.co/Y82oDdcNOd

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 19, 2024

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Willie Mays,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey wrote. “This Fairfield native brought a breath of fresh air to the world of baseball with his incredible talent and infectious spirit. His legacy as a pioneering African-American athlete will continue to inspire generations to come. A true Alabama legend.”

“Thursday's game at historic Rickwood Field was planned to honor Willie Mays and his peers,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “While the sadness remains, the game will also serve as a national memorial to an American who will forever be on the short list of those who have most impacted our great sports community.”