Mets Commentator Keith Hernandez Gives Emotional Tribute To Willie Mays After MLB Legend's Passing

In the midst of an exciting day of baseball, the community received the devastating news of the passing of MLB legend Willie Mays at the age of 93. Remembered as a generational player, the all-time greatest Giant impacted the game of baseball and will live on with incredible reverence. 

Hit by the news on Tuesday, Mets commentator Keith Hernandez delivered an emotional tribute to Mays. Hernandez and SNY partner Gary Cohen were on the call for Tuesday's game between the Mets and Rangers when Mays' passing was announced.

RIP Willie Mays. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

"The best player I’ve ever seen. The greatest player," Hernandez said. "An extraordinarily good five-tool player. You’d go to a game, he’d do something. Whether it'd be a great catch, a great throw, a stolen base, hit a home run or he’d do 'em all. He was just that kind of player." 

"It makes me grateful that the Mets made the decision to fulfill the long-term promise to Willie to have his number retired by the Mets last summer. No. 24 will hang from the rafters forever," Gary Cohen said. 

OutKick's Ian Miller gave an incredible tribute to Mays on Tuesday. 

READ HERE: Loss Of A Legend: Baseball Great Willie Mays Dies At 93-Years-Old

The raw emotion from Hernandez, live on air, was one of many tributes pouring out to honor Mays.

"I have my select few baseballs that are signed by the players from when I was a kid growing up and I have it prominently up in my study, Willie Mays’ baseball signed for me," Hernandez added.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 09:  Former New York Met Keith Hernandez stands with his brother Gary after throwing the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on July 09, 2022 in New York City. Hernandez' number 17 was retired during a pre game ceremony. The Mets defeated the Marlins 5-4 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

More tributes poured in Tuesday night for the great Willie Mays.

The San Francisco Giants relayed a statement from May's son, Michael.

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

"We are very sad now to relay this information that has just been released by the Giants, that the great Willie Mays has passed away," Giants play-by-play announcer Jon Miller said during Tuesday's game. "Passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93."

"I’m at a loss for words,’’ MLB Hall of Fame center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. shared. "I’m devasted. Heartbroken. Numb. I’ve been lucky enough to know Willie since I was a little kid. And my appreciation only grew over time. From the stories, the videos and then meeting him.

Rest in Peace.

TRIBUTES TO WILLIE MAYS

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