San Francisco Giants: 15 Greatest Moments at AT&T Park

14. Willie Mays Is Honored at the 2007 All-Star Game

With his statue welcoming fans to AT&T, Willie Mays is the most respected and beloved player in Giants history. He started his career in 1951, promptly won the Rookie of the Year Award, and led the Giants over a late season deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers and advance to the World Series against the New York Yankees.

In 1954, he won his first ring with the help of “The Catch,” cementing him as a special young athlete in his first MVP Season. When the move out west was made, Mays was already in his prime, and did not disappoint, becoming a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove winner and winning the MVP Award in 1965.

So it was only fitting that he would be honored nationally when the MLB All-Star game came to San Francisco in 2007, similar to 1999 when Ted Williams was wheeled out around the field to the delight of the Fenway Park crowd. Mays threw out the first pitch with the help of his godson Barry Bonds, and the face of the league, Derek Jeter.

Even the players themselves were in awe of seeing Mays in person. His impact on the game is still felt today and his joyful personality prompted “Say Hey Willie” to be widely admired even by other fanbases.

Next: A Special Father-Son Moment