Transcript Summary: Tribute to Willie Mays

Baseball legend Willie Mays has died at 93

Lauren Shehadi opens the show by announcing the sad news of Willie Mays’s passing at the age of 93, celebrating his remarkable achievements and impact on baseball. Bob Costas reflects on Mays’s magnetic presence and extraordinary talent, comparing him to iconic figures like Michael Jordan and highlighting his unforgettable all-around performance in baseball history.

Pedro Martinez shares his awe upon meeting Mays, emphasizing the legend’s place alongside Hank Aaron in baseball lore. Jimmy Rollins recounts personal interactions with Mays, describing his competitive spirit and playful trash talk, underlining Mays’s ability to connect with fellow players and fans alike.

Curtis Granderson, speaking about Mays’s joyful approach to the game, echoes the sentiment that baseball is meant to be enjoyed, drawing parallels between Mays’s philosophy and his own. The hosts also discuss an upcoming tribute game at Rickwood Field, where teams will honor Mays and Aaron, reflecting on the profound influence both legends had on the sport.

Finally, the conversation turns to the recent recognition of Negro League players’ stats by Major League Baseball, with Pedro expressing his gratitude that Mays witnessed this historic acknowledgment before his passing. The show closes with a sentiment of continuing to honor Willie Mays’s legacy in the years to come.