Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in Westfield, Alabama on May 6, 1931. He is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time, known for his exceptional all-around skills as a center fielder, hitter, and base runner. Mays grew up in the segregated South during the Great Depression. His father, Willie Sr., was a talented baseball player in the Negro Leagues, which likely influenced young Willie’s passion for the sport. Mays began playing organized baseball at age 14 and quickly showed promise.
In 1948, Mays started his professional career with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League while still in high school. His performance caught the attention of major league scouts, and in 1950, he was signed by the New York Giants. Mays made his Major League debut on May 25, 1951, at the age of 20. After a slow start, he found his stride and helped lead the Giants to the National League pennant, winning the Rookie of the Year award.
His career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, serving for two years during the Korean War. Upon his return in 1954, Mays led the Giants to a World Series championship, making “The Catch” – one of the most famous defensive plays in baseball history – during Game 1.
Mays was known throughout his career for his “Say Hey Kid” nickname, trademark basket catch, and infectious enthusiasm for the game. He played 22 seasons with the Giants (in New York and San Francisco after the team’s move in 1958) and finished his career with the New York Mets in 1973.
Achievements and Stats:
Mays’ list of accomplishments is staggering:
- 24-time All-Star (1954–1973)
- 12-time Gold Glove Award winner (1957–1968)
- 2-time National League MVP (1954, 1965)
- World Series champion (1954)
- NL Rookie of the Year (1951)
- 4-time NL home run leader
- 4-time NL stolen base leader
- 660 career home runs (5th all-time)
- 3,283 career hits
- .302 lifetime batting average
- 338 stolen bases
His 1954 season is often considered one of the greatest individual seasons in baseball history, as he hit .345 with 41 home runs and won the batting title. Mays was renowned for his incredible speed, power, and defensive skills. He pioneered a playing style that combined power hitting with speed on the basepaths. His defensive play in center field was legendary, with his speed allowing him to play a shallow center field and still catch up to deep-fly balls. Off the field, Mays was an important figure in the civil rights movement, though he often took a less vocal approach compared to some of his contemporaries. His success and popularity helped break down racial barriers in baseball and American society.
After retiring as a player, Mays worked as a coach for the Mets until 1979. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 on the first ballot with 94.7% of the vote. In 1986, Mays took a job as Special Assistant to the President of the San Francisco Giants, a position he still holds. He has been involved in numerous charitable causes, including the Say Hey Foundation, which promotes youth baseball. Mays’ impact on baseball and American culture is immeasurable. He is often mentioned in the debate over the greatest baseball player of all time, alongside names like Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron. His number 24 has been retired by both the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. In 2015, Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing his contributions both on and off the field.
Willie Mays’ combination of joyful play, extraordinary skill, and longevity has cemented his place as one of baseball’s most beloved and respected figures. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of players and fans, ensuring that the “Say Hey Kid” will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Willie Mays passed away on June 18, 2024