Celebrating the Life of Willie Mays
By Jay Horwitz
I am heading out to San Francisco later this week to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony for the legendary Willie Mays at Oracle Park on Monday. Michael Mays, Willie’s son, was nice enough to extend me an invitation and I am thrilled.
Willie was my idol. I became a fan of his when I was nine years old, thanks to my father. I remember watching the 1954 Giants v.s. Indians World Series with my dad in our apartment in Clifton, NJ. I can still see Willie racing back in center field at the Polo Grounds to snag a long drive hit by Vic Wertz. The “Say Hey Kid” then whirled around and unloaded a tremendous throw back to the infield, to make a play that is simply known now as “The Catch”.
Thanks to my friend Rusty Staub, I was able to meet Willie for the first time on one of our trips to San Francisco. I was literally tongue-tied. Despite my initial shock, we formed a great relationship, and I kept in touch with Willie through the years at various sports dinners.
One of the things he would always ask: “When are you guys going to retire my number?” Thanks to Steve and Alex Cohen, we were able to do that two years ago at our Old Timers Day. I have also developed a close friendship with Michael, and he nice enough to put me on the phone with Willie on his 93rd birthday last May to send my regards.
Monday’s event is open to the public and I think it will be a great tribute to Willie. I am just thankful that I will be there to say one last good bye to the great Mr. Mays.
