Willie Mays Obituary

Willie Howard Mays Jr. (May 6, 1931 – June 18, 2024), fondly known as “The Say Hey Kid,” has passed away at the age of 93. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Mays’ legacy in Major League Baseball (MLB) is unparalleled. His career, spanning 23 seasons, saw him achieve numerous milestones and set records that still stand today.

Early Life and Career

Born in Westfield, Alabama, Mays was a natural athlete who excelled in multiple sports. He began his professional baseball career with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948. His exceptional talent caught the attention of the New York Giants, who signed him upon his high school graduation in 1950.

Major League Debut and Early Success

Mays made his MLB debut with the Giants in 1951 and immediately made an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year Award after hitting 20 home runs. His contributions helped the Giants secure their first pennant in 14 years. In 1954, Mays earned the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, leading the Giants to a World Series title. His iconic over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series remains one of the most memorable plays in baseball history.

Continued Excellence and Records

Following the Giants’ move to San Francisco, Mays continued to excel, winning another MVP Award in 1965 and leading the team to the 1962 World Series. His career was marked by incredible consistency and versatility, making him the quintessential five-tool player. Mays was a 24-time All-Star, tying him for the second most in history, and led the NL in home runs four times and slugging percentage five times.

He was also a pioneer in using speed as an offensive weapon, leading the league in stolen bases four times during the 1950s. Mays was the first NL player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season and the first in history to reach both 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases.

Defensive Brilliance

Mays set the standard for defensive excellence, winning 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1957 onwards, a record for outfielders. He led NL center fielders in double plays five times and assists three times. Mays holds MLB records for games played as a center fielder (2,829) and putouts as an outfielder (7,095).

Career Statistics and Legacy

Mays retired with a .302 batting average, 660 home runs, and 1,903 RBIs. At the time of his retirement, he held the NL record for career runs scored (2,062) and ranked second in several key statistical categories, including games played, home runs, and total bases. His impressive career earned him a first-ballot induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 and a spot on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Later Years and Passing

After retiring as a player, Mays remained involved in baseball, serving as a coach for the New York Mets and later as a special assistant to the president and general manager of the Giants. His influence on the game and his role as a mentor to younger players cemented his status as a beloved figure in the baseball community.

Willie Mays passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024. His son, Michael Mays, expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering love and support fans have shown throughout his father’s life. “My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael Mays said. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”