The longest uninterrupted Willie in California has arrived in San Francisco.

It may not be the most beautiful drive, but a section of Interstate 80 has been dubbed the Willie Mays Highway, 12 years after the city bestowed a similar honor on former Mayor Willie Brown. 

Observant drivers may have noticed two green commemorative signs installed this week for the late Giants great. Westbound drivers can spot one near Harrison Street and the Embarcadero, close to the former bus station. Drivers in the opposite direction will pass the other sign east of Vermont Street, Caltrans said.

In 2014, the western span of the Bay Bridge was dubbed the Willie L. Brown Jr. Bridge (opens in new tab). The former mayor said he’s happy to make room for Mays.

“Mays established the standard for people named Willie,” Brown said. 

In case there’s any confusion now that they are squeezed onto the same highway, Brown explained a key difference between himself and the late baseball legend.

“Whoever is doing the name, I hope he realizes that I can’t hit shit and never could,” he said to The Standard. 

Although Mays never entered politics, Brown believes he could have been a star. 

“If he wanted to do politics, I would have supported him over any candidate — except me,” he said.

Though the signage is up, there’s uncertainty over exactly which stretch of the freeway has been renamed to honor the centerfielder. The San Francisco Giants said (opens in new tab) Willie Mays Highway covers two miles between Oracle Park and Treasure Island. 

But the state legislation (opens in new tab), passed in 2024, designated “Interstate 80 between Postmile 3.836 and Postmile 5.700" for the Say Hey Kid. Caltrans said those locations run from approximately 19th Street to Beale Street.

A Caltrans spokesperson was looking into the discrepancy.

Giants President and CEO Larry Baer called the highway dedication a lasting tribute. 

“For generations, this portion of I-80 on the Bay Bridge has carried Giants fans into San Francisco, and now it will forever carry Willie’s name,” Baer said, adding that it’s fitting that the span also honors Brown: “Two great San Franciscans.” 

Jeff Idelson, executive director of the Say Hey Foundation — the nonprofit Mays founded to provide coaching and equipment to underprivileged youth — said the designation extends Mays’ reach beyond the ballpark. 

“Not only is this a fitting way to recognize his lasting contribution to the community,” Idelson said, “but it furthers Willie’s legacy as a national icon.” 

Mays died in 2024. His 95th birthday would have been Wednesday.

Caltrans installed the signs following donations from nonstate sources, as required under the resolution’s terms.

When asked if there are any other local Willies who deserve recognition alongside this duo, Brown had a simple answer.

“No.”