President Obama makes the case that SF Giants legend is the GOAT

On Monday, the SF Giants organization held a celebration of life for the late great Willie Mays at Oracle Park. As part of the proceedings, former U.S. president Barack Obama made the case in a video message that Mays is the greatest baseball player of all time.

President Obama makes the case that SF Giants legend is the GOAT

It was an emotional affair at Oracle Park on Monday. The Giants organization celebrated the life of Willie Mays with a nearly 3 hour ceremony that included words from former Giants, former presidents, and family members of the great Willie Mays. The entire proceedings are available to watch here. The Giants also posted a recap video on their YouTube if you do not have time to watch the entire event.

It was incredible to see how Willie touched so many people across so many different walks of life. It was a very fitting tribute to the Say Hey Kid.

One standout moment came from former president Barack Obama. The 44th president was unable to be there in attendance, but he recorded a video message that was played during the proceedings. In it, Obama shared memories he had from his time with Willie Mays and he also made a pretty strong case for Mays being the greatest baseball player of all time.

"When you take into account his durability and longevity, when you factor in his extraordinary success during his brief stint in the Negro Leagues and the fact that he lost two years of his prime in military service, a strong argument can be made that he is the greatest baseball player to have ever lived."

Barack Obama on Willie Mays

That is a pretty sound argument right there from the former Harvard Law School grad. People have been making that case for many years, but East Coast bias will still lead many to believe that Babe Ruth is the best baseball player to ever live.

We all know that Mays was a 5-tool player and that he really could do anything on the baseball field. Giants fans will always know that Mays is the greatest to ever play and that is all that matters at the end of the day. But it sure does not hurt to have a former president making the same case.

Willie Mays may have passed away, but Monday's celebration of life shows just how large he lives in the minds and hearts of people across the spectrum of society. Mays is a legend that will truly never die.