Willie Mays, the legendary baseball player affectionately known as the “Say Hey Kid,” passed away on Tuesday, June 18, at the age of 93 in Palo Alto, California. While the specific cause of his death hasn't been publicly disclosed, he had battled various health issues in his later years.
Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Mays began his career in the Negro leagues before making his mark in Major League Baseball (MLB). His illustrious career, which spanned from 1951 to 1973, left an indelible mark on America's pastime. Regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Mays' extraordinary skills and numerous achievements cemented his legacy. He played 23 seasons in MLB, mainly with the New York/San Francisco Giants and later with the New York Mets. In his rookie season, he won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 68 runs. Despite losing two years of his peak athletic performance serving during the Korean War, Mays was a 24-time All-Star, won two MVP awards and was the 1954 World Series champion. Known for his all-around abilities, he excelled in hitting, base running, fielding and throwing, embodying the quintessential “five-tool” player.
Nothing Short Of Extraordinary
Mays' career statistics are nothing short of extraordinary. He finished his career with 660 home runs, leading the National League in home runs four times and placing him fifth on the all-time home run list. He recorded 3,283 hits, 1,903 runs batted in (RBIs) and a lifetime batting average of .302, placing him among the all-time leaders in multiple offensive categories.
One of his most iconic moments was “The Catch” during the 1954 World Series at New York City's now-defunct Polo Grounds. In Game 1, he made an over-the-shoulder grab that remains one of the most famous plays in baseball history.
Defensively, Mays was unmatched. He won 12 Gold Glove Awards, a testament to his fielding excellence. His ability to cover vast amounts of ground in center field, combined with his strong and accurate throwing arm, made him a constant threat to opposing teams. Mays' defensive skills were so revered that former Dodgers' pitcher Sandy Koufax once said, “Willie Mays' glove is where triples go to die.”
His consistency and longevity in the game are considered unparalleled, making him a true legend of the sport. As baseball historian Bill James aptly put it, “If somebody came up and hit .450, stole 100 bases and pitched 20 no-hit games, there would still be people who would say that Mays was better.”
An HBO documentary “Say Hey, Willie Mays!” premiered on November 8, 2022. Providing a comprehensive look at the life and career of Willie Mays, including archival footage, contemporary interviews and reflections on his significant impact both on and off the baseball field, it debuted to positive reviews.
A Legacy Beyond Baseball
Mays' legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the ball field. He was a trailblazer for African American athletes during a time of significant racial tension in America. His success helped pave the way for future generations of Black players. In recognition of his contributions, Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.
Even as a star athlete, Mays faced adversity and rejection from the very community that celebrated his on-field accomplishments. One famous story involves housing discrimination in San Francisco. When he tried to buy a home in the city's Miraloma Park neighborhood in the late 1950s, the seller initially accepted his offer but later backed out due to pressure from racist neighbors. After significant public backlash and intervention from the NAACP, the seller eventually agreed to the sale. Despite purchasing the home, Mays and his family faced continued hostility, including a racially motivated attack that led them to move back to New York temporarily.
Mays' life story exemplifies the American Dream, rising from humble beginnings to achieve greatness through sheer talent and determination. His role in breaking racial barriers and his unwavering commitment to protecting Black athletes make him a timeless hero whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
As Mays himself once said, “I never played a game in my life where I didn't give it everything I had.”
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