SAN FRANCISCO — Giants fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Willie Mays the past two years have mostly been limited to second-hand stories and a few words from the living legend himself. Mays, 91, once a regular presence around the club, has been cautious to make public appearances since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But this week, Mays paid a surprise visit to the clubhouse, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, which also coincided with the anniversary of his iconic over-the-shoulder catch and the announcement of the upcoming release of “SAY HEY, WILLIE MAYS!,” an HBO documentary exploring his life and career.
“Over the years, the fans have given me so much joy, and I am excited to express my thanks again through this wonderful documentary and its telling of the story of my career and life,” Mays said in a release. “I have worked hard and been fortunate to do many amazing things over the course of my life, and I am excited and proud that the people who see this film, including younger fans who never saw me play, will have the chance to relive this great journey with me and have a few laughs along the way. Watching this documentary brought a proud and grateful smile to my face, and I hope everyone else enjoys it too.”
Besides Wednesday, Mays’ only visit to the ballpark since the beginning of the pandemic came on his 90th birthday last May.
On Thursday, Mays celebrated the 68th anniversary of his iconic basket catch in the 1954 World Series, possibly the most recognizable highlight of his decorated 24-year playing career and sure to be featured prominently in the documentary.
The film, directed by Nelson George, debuts Nov. 8 (9 p.m. PT/ET, HBO/HBO Max) and promises exclusive interviews with Mays his family and other baseball icons, including Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, Vin Scully, Jon Miller, Bob Costas and the Chronicle’s John Shea, Mays’ biographer.
LeBron James also served as an executive producer in conjunction with his media enterprise, Uninterrupted, which co-produced the film with HBO Sports.
“It’s been one of the highlights of my life to get to talk with and document the life of Willie Mays, perhaps baseball’s greatest player and certainly its most charismatic personality,” George said in a statement. “Not only was he a staple on the Baseball Game of the Week, but crossed over into talk shows and night time entertainment when Black faces were rare. The film is very much a tale of mentorship. Willie was schooled in life and baseball by his father Cat and Negro League players. Later Willie looked out for scores of young Black players including his godson Barry Bonds. An epic American life.”
WHAT: “Say Hey, Willie Mays!” an HBO Sports documentary
WHEN: Nov. 8, 9 p.m. PT/ET
WHERE: HBO (cable)/HBO Max (streaming)