Public Celebration of Willie Mays' Life Held at Oracle Park

In a heartfelt tribute to baseball legend Willie Mays, hundreds of San Francisco Giants fans gathered at Oracle Park for a public memorial on Monday afternoon. The event honored Mays, who passed away at the age of 93 on June 18, celebrating his remarkable career that began in the Negro Leagues and included numerous achievements such as 3,293 hits, 660 home runs, and 12 Gold Glove awards in center field. The memorial was attended by a distinguished group of individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, and several Hall of Famers and retired players and managers. Stadium gates opened at 3 p.m. to allow fans to pay their respects in person, with a large cutout of Mays' jersey number 24 displayed on the infield dirt as a tribute. Among the attendees were notable figures who shared personal connections with Mays, such as former President Bill Clinton and former Mayor Willie Brown, highlighting the impact Mays had on both the baseball community and beyond. The memorial was a poignant reminder of Mays' enduring legacy and the profound influence he had on generations of players and fans. Approximately 3,400 fans were present in the stands, with a total of 4,500 people in attendance, according to the Giants. The event drew fans from far and wide, with one attendee, Karl Colton, traveling from Seattle to pay tribute to Mays and cherish the memories of watching him play. Another fan, Lalao, who has been a Giants supporter since the 70s, fondly recalled encountering Mays in the elevator during games with her son, emphasizing the special connection fans felt with the baseball icon. Despite the sadness of Mays' passing, attendees found solace in reminiscing about the impact he had on their lives and the joy he brought to the game of baseball.