Typically this series highlights an eclectic mix of baseball stories from around “the show.” But this edition doesn’t feel like it can do anything other than what you will read below. As I lay here in my hotel room in Columbus Ohio, having traveled for my job, I feel compelled to celebrate the life of an all time great. The baseball world was rocked Tuesday night by the passing of Willy Mays, who passed away peacefully at the age of 93.

The Say Hey kid will go down as one of the greatest players to ever live. The Westfield Alabama native played 23 seasons for the New York and San Francisco Giants, and the New York Mets. He finished his major league career with a .301 batting average, 600 homers and 3,293 hits, which helped lead to his election of the hall of fame in 1979.

Mays play was an extension of his fun loving nature. He was a hero to young fans as a player and remained an inspiration until the end of his life. Mays was a wonderful steward of the game and it was lucky to have him there to lead it. He was undoubtedly well liked and respected around the game, a feeling best encapsulated in Keith Hernandez emotional reaction to Mays death.

So rest in peace Willie, our national pastime was lucky to have you lead a part of its rich tapestry.

One thing is for sure, heaven’s ball club just got a lot better in centerfield.

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