Baseball Legend Willie Mays' Epic Final Mic Drop: Selling His Life's Treasures for Kids' Dreams

When legends exit the stage, they do it with style. Willie Mays, the iconic baseball superstar who transcended the sport, is proving that even in his final act, he’s still hitting home runs for the community.
The Say Hey Kid, who passed away in June 2024 at 93, is orchestrating an incredible auction of his most cherished memorabilia - and it’s not just about selling collectibles, it’s about changing lives.
From Segregation to Stardom
Raised in the harsh, segregated South of Alabama, Mays understood struggle intimately. His journey from a poor mining community to becoming one of baseball’s most celebrated figures is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of opportunity.
A Legacy Beyond Baseball
His auction isn’t just a trip down memory lane. Mays’ entire collection - including MVP awards, World Series rings, and even his Presidential Medal of Freedom - will benefit the Say Hey Foundation. The goal? Giving underprivileged kids the same chances he once had.
Making History, One Last Time
With items expected to fetch up to $1 million, Mays’ final play is ensuring that his legacy isn’t just about baseball stats, but about lifting up future generations. As his friend Jeff Bleich noted, Mays wanted to “raise as much as possible to support other kids starting out in life”.
Classic Willie Mays - always thinking about others, even in his final innings.
AUTHOR: mb
SOURCE: SF Standard