Say Hey Foundation

Founded by HOFer Willie Mays, the #SayHeyFoundation gives every child a chance to unlock their potential. Since 2000, we’ve supported youth in underserved communities through education, sports & wraparound programs in Birmingham, NYC & SF. Visit link-in-bio to learn more.👋 ⚾️

Yesterday in 1951, a 20-year-old Willie Mays stepped onto a Major League field for the first time — and baseball would never be the same. We celebrate the debut of a legend whose impact still echoes throughout baseball and beyond. #WillieMays #SayHeyKid #SFGiants #MLB

Did you know that Willie Mays served in the U.S. Army? He served during the Korean War, and when he returned to the Giants in 1954 he did not miss a beat, leading the Giants to a World Series title while netting NL MVP honors. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #FunFact #Veteran

This coming from Ted Kluszewski—one of Baseball’s most feared sluggers of the 1950s who let his bat (and famous sleeveless jerseys) do the talking— says everything. He knew star power when he saw it; stats made Mays legendary—charisma made him unforgettable. #SayHeyFoundation

Fun Fact: Willie stands as the only player in MLB history to have both four home run titles and four stolen base titles, and his 12 Gold Glove awards are tied for the most by a primary outfielder, proving his unrivaled versatility on the diamond. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays

Last week, the Willie Mays Highway was dedicated on the Hall of Famer’s birthday. Today the San Francisco Chronicle announced that its readers elected to name 1 of the 5 new San Francisco Bay vessel the “Say Hey. sfchronicle.com/totalsf/articl…

Willie reminding us that greatness isn’t about counting the moments and simply going through the motions—it’s about showing up, pushing through the fatigue, and playing the game the right way until the very end. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #WillieSays #KeepTheStrength

The Say Hey Foundation is proud to support Willie Mays Scholars, a program of the @giantscommunity for promising youth in SF. The class of scholars was inducted in a special ceremony. The evening featured words of wisdom from SHF Board Member & Willie’s godson, Phil Saddler.

Former President Obama puts Willie in the context he truly belongs—not just as a baseball icon, but as a figure who expanded opportunity—in who gets to dream bigger, reach further, and believe they belong. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #TheySay #BarackObama #Opportunity

The San Francisco Giants and Say Hey Foundation announce on Willie Mays’ heavenly 95th birthday that a portion of I-80 near Oracle Park will now be called Willie Mays Highway. ‘’Wille was more than a baseball great, he was a part of the fabric that helped define San Francisco culture for more than a half century,” said Jeff Idelson, executive director of the Say Hey Foundation. “Not only is this a fitting way to recognize his lasting contribution to the community, but it furthers Willie’s legacy as a national icon.’

We celebrated what would have been Willie’s 95th birthday in style today with the @SFGiants at the ballpark by the bay, with the naming of the Willie Mays Highway. #sayheyfoundation #williemays #williemayshighway #sfgiants @AdobeOrg&affiliateId=mlbapp-ios_webview_news-index&rsid=mlbios.at.bat.new.implementation" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">mlb.com/news/giants-an…

Today, we celebrate the birthday of the Say Hey Kid! Every play carried energy, creativity, and a deep love for baseball that fans could feel from the stands. He didn’t just play the game—he elevated it. 📸Associated Press #SayHeyFoundation #HappyBirthdayWillie

What set Willie apart wasn’t just talent—it was the intention behind it. He understood that fans weren’t just watching—they were experiencing something, and he took responsibility for making it unforgettable. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #SayHeyKid

Having a presence as significant as the Empire State Building was a signal of Mays’ greatness. He covered so much ground that getting anything past him felt almost impossible. He didn’t just patrol center field—he owned it. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #TheySay

Vote for Willie - vote Say Hey! Check out this poll by @sfchronicle’s @peterhartlaub to name the next five SF Bay ferries. Vote now! Willie would be proud! #SayHeyFoundation #SayHeyFerry urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https…

Did you know that on this date in 1961, Willie Mays hit four home runs in a 14-6 victory over Milwaukee? He’s the only Giant in franchise history to homer four times in a game, and he’s one of only 21 players in MLB history to achieve the feat. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays

Willie reminds us to ‘leave it all out there’ in life, and to carry love with us everywhere we go and infuse it in everything we do. Because when it’s done with love, effort isn’t a burden— it’s a legacy. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #WillieSays #EmptyTheTank #BeYourBest

A nice read on now-defunct Sportsman’s Park in Savannah, a ballpark where the Negro Leagues’ Bears played, and kids dreamed of being the next Willie Mays. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays msn.com/en-us/sports/m…

Did you know that in Game One of the 1951 World Series, Monte Irvin (LF), Willie Mays (CF), and Hank Thompson (RF) played the outfield together for the NY Giants and made history as the first all-African American outfield in World Series History? #SayHeyFoundation #FunFactFriday

That’s presence. That’s impact. Reggie Jackson recognized that Willie was someone who didn’t just contribute- he elevated everything around him. #SayHeyFoundation #WillieMays #TheySay #ReggieJackson #MrOctober

In a world that constantly pushes you to compare, perform, and fit a mold, Willie reminds you that the person you are is enough. The real win isn’t perfection- it’s showing up as you are and trusting yourself. That’s where the joy is. ⚾️ #SayHeyFoundation #WillieSays #BeYou