A227 Commend the life of Willie Howard Mays, Jr.
Resolved, That the House of Deputies of the 81st General Convention commend the life of Willie Howard Mays Jr., who recently passed away at the age of 93, who started his baseball career when professional baseball was still racially segregated playing for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948, until he joined the New York/San Francisco Giants in 1951 and later the New York Mets; and be it further
Resolved, That the House recognizes that Willie Mays distinguished himself as a generational player with his five-tool skill set and his many MLB titles, awards, and achievements; and yet arguably his real impact on our society came as an ambassador to the world with his cheerful and humble attitude in working with youth; and be it further
Resolved, That the House, particularly fitting here in Louisville, Kentucky home of the Louisville Slugger bats, celebrate the life and witness of Willie Mays, nicknamed the “Say Hey Kid” for his positive attitude, and rejoice in his life with the deputations of the dioceses in Alabama, New York, and California for his long-lasting impact on American life for his contributions both inside and outside of the game of baseball.