TAMPA, Fla. — It’s been a little over a year since Dave Wills left an impactful legacy on Rays fans from all over. Sunday he was recognized at the game and inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame.

A year ago, it wasn’t uncommon to hear Dave Wills passion over the airwaves.

Andy Freed, who was Wills’ broadcast partner, says he loved what he did.

“He provided the soundtrack for a lot of the big moments and Dave liked the big moments, that was kind of his calling card,” said Freed.

Freed worked alongside Wills for 18 years, before he passed away in March of last year at the age of 58.

“He and I were each other’s biggest fans when it happened to be my calls,” said Freed, recalling Wills’ uplifting spirit. “He was rooting me on and wanted me to do a good job, and certainly when it was his turn I wanted him to do a good job too.”

He says the past year has been difficult for him and the team, having to adjust their day to day without him.

But Freed says the good memories and his passion for the sport is why wills deserved to be inducted into the Rays Hall of Fame.

“Putting someone into a hall of fame is a happy occasion, and that’s what we want this to be, and I think fans will enjoy reliving his 18 years and hearing from people that are some of his big supports,” he said.

The hall of fame kicked off last year to honor those who have contributed so much to the team.

While Wills may not be with them physically, Freed says their booth will continue to display his photos. They also treasure his signature Hawaiian shirts.

“I know he would want this franchise moving forward and winning, and thankful this franchise has continued to win,” said Freed.

Across Tropicana Field, Freed says Wills is the angel in the outfield.

Wills was honored before the game against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday with his family present to honor his memory. His signature Hawaiian shirts were also given out to fans.