Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is known for his dominance on the gridiron, but as a younger man the Super Bowl LVIII MVP made a name for himself as a formidable pitcher.

His love for the game of baseball is well-documented, and as a part-owner of the Royals, Mahomes is both emotionally and financially invested in the MLB.

As such, when he saw the news that legendary outfielder Willie Mays died on Tuesday afternoon, Mahomes was quick to offer his condolences on Twitter, giving the Hall of Famer a tribute in a brief post that referenced his iconic nickname.

RIP to a true legend #HeyKid https://t.co/wutHkc5uRy

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 19, 2024

Mays’ passing was felt around the MLB as baseball fans around the country came to grips with the loss of one of the best players in league history.

A 24-time All-Star, Mays hit 660 home runs in a career that included a one-year gap due to his military service in 1953. One of the best fielders of all-time, Mays was a true five-tool player whose legacy has stood the test of time.

There have been great ballplayers, Hall of Famers, even first-ballot Hall of Famers. But Willie was something else entirely: one of a few men for whom you could build a credible case as The Greatest Baseball Player Who Ever Lived. May his legacy endure as long as the game does. https://t.co/zZp8HyUmt2