This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO -- Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner grew up as an A’s fan in Oakland. But when you are raised in the Bay Area, Willie Mays is part of your baseball education.

Hoerner recalled attending Giants games as a kid and stopping by the statue of the Hall of Famer in Willie Mays Plaza, which features 24 palm trees in honor of the icon’s jersey number. Hoerner remembers learning about Mays’ part in an important point of baseball history via documentaries. The now-27-year-old dreamed of being an all-around player like the Giants legend.

“I always wanted to be a player that could do everything on the field,” Hoerner said. “[Mays] was kind of the ultimate version of that. To hit 660 homers in the Polo Grounds and Candlestick Park is pretty damn impressive. And he was just a great ambassador to the game.

“He obviously came up at a time where being Black in baseball was a bigger challenge than any baseball player these days is experiencing with any part of the game. It's just a whole other level of challenge to a sport that's already hard enough. He's a legend.”

Hoerner and the rest of the Cubs joined the baseball world in mourning the loss of Mays, who died on Tuesday at the age of 93. News of Mays’ passing spread during the Cubs’ game against the Giants, the team the Hall of Famer suited up for in New York and San Francisco in 21 of his 23 Major League seasons.

Before fielding any questions after the Cubs’ win on Tuesday night, manager Craig Counsell opened with some words about Mays.

“He should be on the Mount Rushmore of baseball players,” Counsell said. “I got to meet him a couple times and he was the kind of person, along with Hank Aaron, frankly, that just made you nervous, because of how great they were. It was sad news to hear during the game.”

Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger added that he does not take wearing No. 24 on his back lightly.

“It's special,” Bellinger said. “He's one of the best players in our game. And even just seeing him around a few times, around the field, was a true blessing. Unbelievable guy. Best wishes to his family right now. I had a conversation with him one time. It was really cool. Just a legend. A true legend.”

Hoerner expects Mays' legacy to live on for generations.

“You can do a lot in this game, but for most of us, the game just keeps going,” Hoerner said. “But Willie Mays is an example of someone whose name and presence and legend in the sport will never be forgotten. That's not said about many people.”