CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s been more than five decades since the “Say Hey Kid” retired, but the conversation surrounding Willie Mays' impact and greatness continues.
Dan Helotie is a broadcaster with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
“[He’s an] icon, legend, one of the greatest to ever do it," Helotie told WCNC Charlotte's Nick Sturdivant. "[He's] a guy that spent a long time playing baseball ... a pioneer."
Helotie, along with Tommy Viola, Vice President of Communications for the Charlotte Knights, both said they are still in awe of what Willie Mays was able to do.
“He had every attribute that you would want in a baseball player," Viola said. "He had power [and] he had speed. His career numbers are some of the best in major league baseball."
Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had passed away Tuesday afternoon. He was 93.
“We all know the history and the legend of Willie Mays and what he did for the game. He played in the Negro Leagues in 1948. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons, a team that played at Rickwood Field,” said Helotie. "[He] ended up getting into the majors and made a story and made a name for himself and ... [he] showed you can do anything you want to.”
The center fielder was baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer.
His over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series is a defensive feat that is still celebrated.
“It’s certainly amazing, the awareness he had. Knowing the moment and knowing the situation like yes, you still make the catch. It’s arguably more difficult, especially at a place like the Polo Grounds to throw it back in,” Helotie explained.
Over his 22 MLB seasons, Mays hit 660 home runs and won a dozen Gold Gloves.
Viola said his play on the field matched who he was off it.
“Willie finished his career with the New York Mets and my dad used to tell me stories of going to Shea Stadium and seeing the great Willie Mays play in some of the last years of his career. Just great memories, a great guy and [he] lived a phenomenal life,” Viola said.
On Wednesday, every minor and major league team, including the Knights and Cannon Ballers, honored Mays with a moment of silence.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.