Angels star Mike Trout shares heartfelt message for Willie Mays following the death of Giants legend

Arguably one of the finest players baseball has ever seen, Willie Mays, died at the age of 93, his former team, the San Francisco Giants, shared on Tuesday. The baseball community paid tribute to Mays and that included Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout, who penned a heartfelt message for the Giants legend.

Willie Mays, who was scheduled to be there at the Negro League tribute game on Thursday, had to cancel due to health reasons.

"I’m saddened by the passing of legend Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players of all time with a remarkable impact on the game. Thank you for everything you gave us, Rest in Peace! #24," Trout wrote on X.

On Wednesday, Mays' son Michael shared that his father died in his presence and that his family was grateful for the fan support.

"My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years,” Michael told AP. “You have been his life's blood."

Willie Mays receives tribute from across the MLB community

Apart from Mike Trout, many other celebrities and political figures also expressed their condolences. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that Willie Mays inspired him to become a center fielder in the Little League.

"It was a rite of passage to practice his basket catches, daring steals, and command at the plate – only to be told by coaches to cut it out because no one can do what Willie Mays could do," the president said. [via BBC].

Another personality who looked up to Mays as an inspiration was former Giants legend Barry Bonds, whose father Bobby played with Mays from 1968 to 1972. He penned a heartfelt note on social media:

"I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion. 💔 I have no words to describe what you mean to me- you helped shape me to be who I am today. Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a hug for me. Rest in peace Willie, I love you forever. #SayHey ⚾️," Bonds wrote in the caption.

New York Yankees pitching icon CC Sabathia mentioned that Mays “changed the game forever and inspired kids like me to chase our dream.”

The 24-time All-Star was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.