Former Giants Pitcher And Lifelong Fan Dies, ‘Willie Mays Was My Favorite Player’

BusinessSportsMoneyFormer Giants Pitcher And Lifelong Fan Dies, ‘Willie Mays Was My Favorite Player’ByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 08, 2026, 06:00am EDTAugust 29, 2015: The San Francisco Giants logo at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe San Francisco Giants have been home to countless memorable players over the years, from Hall of Famers to role players whose careers intersected with some of the most fascinating figures in baseball history. Even decades after their playing days end, many former Giants players remain connected to the sport through the stories and relationships that defined their careers.And those stories often provide a window into some of baseball's most colorful eras and personalities. For players who crossed paths with larger-than-life managers and stars, they can become an enduring part of their legacy.ForbesBlue Jays All-Time Saves Leader Sends Jeff Hoffman Message After Brutal ‘Miscue’By Peter ChawagaFormer San Francisco Giants Reliever Bob Lacey Dies At 72 One former Giants pitcher whose career included a unique connection to New York Yankees legend Billy Martin has now passed away.Last week, news broke that former major-league pitcher Bob Lacey had died at age 72.“Really sad to hear of Bob Lacey’s passing,” Rocco Constantino of baseball outlet BallNine wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “He was easily one of the most interesting and nicest players I’ve interviewed... The baseball world really lost a great one with the passing of Mr. Lacey.”MORE FOR YOULacey ended his seven-year big league career with the Giants in 1984, but he is best remembered for his time with the Oakland Athletics, where he played under Martin, the former Yankees manager and baseball icon who won a Wo...