Willie Mays Honored as ‘Immortal Giant’ in U.S. Senate Resolution Supported by Britt and Tuberville

Willie Mays was honored Thursday in the U.S. Senate with a resolution recognizing him as a figure who “personified the American Dream” through his “relentless work ethic and determination,” earning him the status of an “immortal giant” in baseball.

The Alabama native, who passed away on June 18 at age 93, was honored with a resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, along with Democratic Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler of California.

The resolution passed with unanimous consent 43 days after the first-ever in-season Major League Baseball game in Alabama, which Britt attended. The game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants took place on June 20 at the historic Rickwood Field and was a “Tribute to the Negro Leagues,” celebrating Mays’ legacy.

“Willie Mays is a true giant – simply put, he was the greatest of all time,” Britt said in a statement Friday. “When he was on the field, he showcased more than incredible talent and skill—he brought a joyful exuberance to the game. Millions of Americans grew up looking up to this legendary Alabama native, dreaming of one day being like him.”

Tuberville, a former Auburn football coach, also stated that Mays will “go down in history as one of the greatest” baseball players ever. “He truly embodied the American dream and his legacy will last far beyond his incredible, inspiring lifetime,” Tuberville said, calling Mays a “true Alabama hero.”

Born in 1931 in Jefferson County, Mays became a standout multi-sport athlete at Fairfield Industrial High School. At age 16, he began playing professional baseball with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American Leagues. In 1948, he helped lead the team to the Negro League World Series in what would be the final one ever played.

The Senate resolution highlights Mays’ professional baseball career, including his first-ever hit at Rickwood Field and his famous basket catch in deep center field to win Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, a moment forever remembered as “The Catch.”

Mays is the only player in MLB history with over 300 home runs, 300 stolen bases, 3,000 career hits, and a career batting average greater than .300. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 on his first ballot. His accolades include 24 All-Star Game selections, two National League Most Valuable Player Awards (1954 and 1965), 12 Gold Gloves, and four National League home run leader titles. Mays was also the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year.