Willie Mays
Willie Howard Mays Jr. starred in the Negro leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons before the New York Giants signed him in 1950. He won Rookie of the Year in 1951, then lost most of two seasons to Army service. He became a superstar in 1954, winning the NL MVP, a batting title, and the World Series highlighted by 'The Catch.'
From Birmingham to the Majors
Born in Westfield, Alabama, in 1931, Mays played for the Negro-league Birmingham Black Barons as a teenager. The New York Giants signed him in 1950, and he debuted in 1951, winning Rookie of the Year. Army service then cost him most of the 1952 and 1953 seasons.
The Say Hey Kid
Mays returned in 1954 to win the NL MVP, a batting title, and the World Series, where 'The Catch' became instant legend. Over 23 seasons with the Giants and Mets he hit 660 home runs and won 12 straight Gold Gloves. His all-around brilliance led many to call him the greatest player ever.
Beloved Legend
Mays was elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1979 with 94.7 percent of the vote. Nicknamed the 'Say Hey Kid,' he remained one of baseball's most cherished ambassadors for decades. He died in Palo Alto, California, in June 2024 at age 93.
Career Timeline
- 1931Born in Westfield, Alabama
- 1948Plays for Negro-league Birmingham Black Barons
- 1951Debuts for Giants; named NL Rookie of the Year
- 1952Enters U.S. Army, missing most of two seasons
- 1954Wins MVP, batting title, and World Series
- 1954Makes 'The Catch' in World Series Game 1
- 1957Wins first of 12 straight Gold Gloves
- 1958Giants move to San Francisco with Mays
- 1965Hits 52 homers and wins second NL MVP
- 1972Traded to New York Mets late in career
- 1979Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
- 2024Dies in Palo Alto, California, at age 93
Biggest Hits
- His over-the-shoulder grab in the 1954 World Series, simply called 'The Catch,' is among the most famous defensive plays in baseball history.
- He won 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1957 to 1968, a record for outfielders.
Portrait: New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons