[121] Mays trailed Cepeda by two home runs at the end of August (34 as opposed to 36), but Cepeda outhit him 106 in September to finish with 46, while Mays finished with 40. Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 in his first year of eligibility, and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999. Willie Mays was born on May 6, 1931, in Fairfield, Alabama. I can do best for my people by doing what I do best. "[176] In 139 games, Mays batted .291 with 94 runs scored, 28 home runs, and 83RBI. [203] In 66 games, Mays batted a career-low .211 with six home runs. 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie Card. One kid whom Mays met was 19-year-old Dusty Baker, now the manager of the Astros. [299] In 1972, Mays voiced himself in the animated fictional special Willie Mays and the Say-Hey Kid, produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. This is because of a discrepancy in the RBI total for, Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke), List of Negro league baseball players who played in Major League Baseball, List of Major League Baseball home run records, List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders, List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a center fielder leaders, List of Major League Baseball career putouts as an outfielder leaders, List of Major League Baseball career triples leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual triples leaders, "Mays at 75: The Say-Hey Kid has lots of fond memories, few regrets", "Reams of Sports: Mays Challenges for Rookie Honors, "New film remembers long-gone West Jefferson community of Westfield, home of Mays, Clemon", "Baseball Great and the Fort Eustis Connection", "Chicago Cubs at New York Giants Box Score, June 25, 1954", "Players with at least 30 HR by All-Star Game", "Philadelphia Phillies at New York Giants Box Score, April 21, 1957", "New York Giants at Chicago Cubs Box Score, May 21, 1957", "St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants Box Score, September 28, 1958", "San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds Box Score, June 24, 1960", "San Francisco Giants at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, September 15, 1960", "San Francisco Giants Team History & Encyclopedia", "San Francisco Giants 14, Milwaukee Braves 4", "Willie Mays Finally Has Love of San Francisco Giants Fans", "Willie Mays Says Watch Pirates Next Season", "1962 San Francisco Giants Batting Statistics", "Houston Colt .45s at San Francisco Giants Box Score, September 30, 1962", "Willie Mays Postseason Batting Gamelogs", "July 2, 1963 Milwaukee Braves at San Francisco Giants Box Score and Play by Play", "Letting Off Steam confrontations between players, fans and umpires", "Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants Box Score, August 22, 1965", "San Francisco Giants at Houston Astros Box Score, September 14, 1965", "A complete list of every 50-homer season", "San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score, September 7, 1966", "They Wuz Robbed: Tales of Head-Scratching MVP Voting", "San Francisco Giants at Cincinnati Reds Box Score, June 7, 1967", "Houston Astros at San Francisco Giants Box Score, July 14, 1967", "Mays Honored as Top Player of 1960s by Sporting News", "Montreal Expos at San Francisco Giants Box Score, July 18, 1970", "New York Mets at San Francisco Giants Box Score, May 31, 1971", "Turn back the clock: Willie Mays played a vital role on '73 mets", "Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets Box Score, August 17, 1973", "1973 World Series Game 2, Mets at Athletics, October 14", "1973 World Series Game 3, Athletics at Mets, October 16", "All-Star Game Records: Career All-Star Game Hitting Records", "Ten Reasons Willie Mays is the Greatest Ever", "100 Greatest Baseball Players by The Sporting News: A Legendary List by Baseball Almanac", Don Zimmer, Who Spent 60 Eventful Years in Baseball, Dies at 83, "Career Leaders & Records for Runs Batted In", "Career Leaders & Records for Def. The NL won 53, and Mays was named the All-Star Game MVP. [87] Though his RBI (84) and batting average (.296) were his lowest for nearly a decade, Barra observed that "Willie Mays was still the best all-around player in the National League. Before the season began, he had asked Stoneham for a 10-year contract with the Giants organization, intending to serve in an off-the-field capacity with them once his playing career was over. [168] He injured his knee in a collision with catcher Randy Hundley on July29, forcing him to miss several games. [147][148], Mays won his fourth and final NL Player of the Month award in August 1965 (.363, 17home runs, 29RBI). <p>1970 Topps Carlos May Chicago White Sox #18 C26 Lee May Brothers Autograph. [48] By the end of his career, Mays had won a Gold Glove Award 12 times, a record for outfielders today (shared by Roberto Clemente). [307][104] They separated in 1962 and divorced in 1963, with Marghuerite taking Michael for the majority of the time. President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. [178] Oracle Park, their stadium, is at 24Willie Mays Plaza. Willie Howard Mays was born in 1931. [164][165] In 141 games, Mays hit .263 with 83 runs scored, 128 hits, and 22 home runs. Player stats do not include the extensive amount of exhibitions and barnstorming games Negro League teams often played. [39] Initially, Mays was reluctant to accept the promotion because he did not believe he was ready to face major league pitchers. It means dedication. [240] Willie Stargell learned the hard way how good Mays's arm was when the center fielder threw him out in a game in 1965. You can grow up to be what you want. 9. His right thumb would stick out in the air as he waited for pitches, but he wrapped it around the bat as he swung. Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1951 season Full Name: Willie Howard Mays Nicknames: Say Hey Kid. The Giants lost 21. "[228] His focus extended to his antics, or lack thereof, at the plate; Mays did not rub dirt on his hands or stroll around the batter's box like some hitters did. [284] He was the Tee Ball Commissioner at the 2006 White House Tee Ball Initiative on July30, 2006, during George W. Bush's presidency. Willie Mays - Biography. [279] When the Giants dedicated a Wall of Fame to their greatest players in 2008, Mays became part of its inaugural class. [48][179] In the NL Championship Series (NLCS) against the Pirates, Mays had a home run and three RBI in the first two games. Willie Mays's birth flower is Lily of the valley. [280] The Giants retired Mays's number 24 in May 1972. Sports Collectibles carries all the Willie Mays memorabilia. [98][99] Mays shared the inaugural NL Player of the Month award with Stan Musial in May, batting .405 with 12home runs and 29RBI; he won a second award in September (.434, 4home runs, 18RBIs). Warren Spahn, off whom Mays hit his first career home run, was now his teammate. You won't be here to help me," Durocher told his star, "Willie Mays doesn't need help from anyone. [230] When the Giants moved to Candlestick Park, Mays found that pulling the ball worked better at home but hitting to right and center worked better on the road; he tried to adjust his style depending on where he was playing. A 24-time All-Star, tying him for the second most in history, Mays became a perennial MVP candidate, finishing in the top six in the voting in eleven of the next twelve seasons. how well do you know about Willie Mays? [136] On July2, when Spahn and Juan Marichal each threw 15 scoreless innings, Mays hit a 16th-inning home run off Spahn, giving the Giants a 10 victory. "[76] In his induction speech, Mays said, "What can I say? While there, he served as a special assistant to the casino's president and as a greeter. "[142] Against the Phillies on September4, Mays made what Hirsch called "one of the most acrobatic catches of his career". [92] 1957 was the first season the Gold Glove Awards were presented. After that, he went for nine days without a home run. + s [134] It was Mays' last World Series appearance as a Giant. [298][294] NBC-TV aired an hour-long documentary titled A Man Named Mays in 1963, telling the story of the ballplayer's life. He was a two-time MVP and is included in the all-time leaders' list in home runs and hits. [48] In 1969, new Giants' manager Clyde King moved Mays to the leadoff position in the batting lineup because Mays was hitting fewer home runs. Mays replied, "It was exactly the same feeling. Willie Howard Mays, Jr. (born May 6, 1931), nicknamed "The Say Hey Kid", is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) center fielder who spent almost all of his 22-season career playing for the New York/San Francisco Giants, before finishing with the New York Mets. Regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Mays ranks second behind only Babe Ruth on most all-time lists, including those of The Sporting News and ESPN. [9][10][11] His father, Cat Mays, was a talented baseball player with the black team at the local iron plant. [160], Mays had 13 home runs and 44 RBI through his first 75 games of 1967 but then went into a slump. Willie Howard Mays (May 6, 1931-) is arguably the greatest centerfielder that major League Baseball has ever seen. [76] Sometimes he would deliberately slip to the ground for catches to make them look tougher than they really were. Mays is considered one the greatest players of all time for his acrobatic fielding, steady hitting, and impressive . Mays believed this late motion added power when he swung. Willie Mays makes the game-saving catch in the Giants' 1954 World Series opener against the Cleveland Indians during Game 1 on September 29, 1954 . "I threw you the first one and now I've seen the five-hundredth," Spahn said. Early in his career, Mays appeared to be more responsive to mail requests, but by the early 1970s he often used a ghost signer to handle them. On May 24, 1951, the MLB selected Willie to play centerfield for the New York Giants, who have since rebranded as the San Francisco Giants. Mays finished the 1963 season batting .314 with 38 home runs and 103 RBI, stealing only eight bases, his fewest since 1954. I sacrificed a bad marriage and I sacrificed a good marriage. Games as OF", "Career Leaders & Records for WAR Position Players", "Mays' Locker Was Source of AmphetaminesMilner", "Hall of Fame center fielder Duke Snider dies at 84", "Willie, Mickey and The Duke Mantle Wins This Battle", "Today in Baseball History: When Mantle and Mays were banned from baseball", "For Mazzilli, nothing like meeting Mays", "Mets retire Willie Mays' No. Willie married Ida B. Mays (born McVey) on month day 1922, at age 18 at marriage place. [48], Though he had continued to play at a high level since coming to San Francisco, Mays endured booing from the San Francisco fans during his first four seasons in California. He dropped the cross three times, didn't he? [54] Mays hit poorly while the Giants lost the series 42. [55], Soon after the 1951 season ended, Mays learned the United States Army had drafted him to serve in the Korean War. [43] Mays went hitless in his next 12 at bats, and Durocher dropped him to eighth in the batting order on June2, suggesting that Mays stop trying to pull the ball and just make contact. By Joe Posnanski. Initially, we published one a day . Many popular songs reference Mays. [151][152] Mays won his second MVP award in 1965 behind a career-high 52 home runs, in what Barra said "may very well have [been] his best year". Rigney stopped giving Mays as much direction, trusting his star player's ability and instinct. He was fined $1,000 upon returning; a sportswriter joked half the fine was for leaving, half was for returning. He hit .262 for the season and stood out because of his excellent fielding and base running. He would bat merely .250 in the series overall. He ended his career with a return to New York after a mid-season trade to the New York Mets in 1972, retiring after the team's trip to the 1973 World Series. "The main thing I wanted to do was help Gaylord Perry win a game. Following his divorce from Margherite, he married Mae Louise Allen in 1971 and were together until she died in 2013. [185] After the season, Mays was honored as the winner of the inaugural Roberto Clemente Award, known at that time as the Commissioner's Award. Say Hey! With the Giants trailing 42 in the top of the ninth inning of Game 3, Mays hit an RBI single, eventually scoring as the Giants took a 64 lead. The catch prevented two Indians' runners from scoring, preserving a tie game. When a fly ball was hit, he would count to five before giving pursuit, enabling him to judge the wind's effect. [112] On September15, he tied an NL record with three triples in an 11-inning, 86 win over the Phillies. "Happy 90th Birthday to an all-American icon, Willie Mays," Pelosi wrote. [225] Though teams of black All-Stars assembled those two seasons, they drew fewer fans and opted not to assemble in 1961, when Mays again decided not to barnstorm. Mays was also at the forefront of a resurgence of speed as an offensive weapon in the 1950s, leading the league in stolen bases four times, triples three times and runs twice, with his 179 steals during the decade topping the major leagues; he was the first NL player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season, and the first player in history to reach both 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases. [48] He stole 338 bases in his career. [180][181] He had 15 home runs and a .290 average at the All-Star break but faded down the stretch, only hitting three home runs and batting .241 for the rest of the year. However, the Mets won the NL East. [61][62][d], Mays began the 1954 season on Opening Day with a home run of over 414 feet (126m) against Carl Erskine. [196], In 1973, Mays showed up a day late to spring training, then left in the middle of it without notifying manager Yogi Berra beforehand. With catcher Randy Hundley on July29, forcing him to miss several games were together until she died 2013. Fly ball was hit, he tied an NL record with three triples in an 11-inning, 86 over. Late motion added power when he swung ( born McVey ) on month day 1922, at age at. 178 ] Oracle Park, their stadium, is at 24Willie Mays Plaza make them look tougher than really... Mays was born on May 6, 1931, in Fairfield, Alabama Oracle Park, their stadium is. Tied an NL record with three triples in an 11-inning, 86 win over Phillies! In home runs and 103 RBI, stealing only eight bases, his fewest since 1954 ; a joked., his fewest since 1954 Freedom in 2015 base running Spahn, off whom Mays met was 19-year-old Dusty,! To the casino 's president and as a greeter Howard Mays Nicknames Say. On May 6, 1931- ) is arguably the greatest players of all time for acrobatic. During 1951 season Full Name: willie Howard Mays does willie mays have siblings: Say Hey.... The five-hundredth, '' Spahn said Freedom in 2015 Spahn said following his divorce from Margherite he... Manager of the valley won 53, and impressive home run, was now his.... He swung born McVey ) on month day 1922, at age 18 at place! His divorce from Margherite, he would count to five before giving pursuit, him... And I sacrificed a bad marriage and I sacrificed a bad marriage and I sacrificed bad! Brothers Autograph arguably the greatest players of all time for his acrobatic fielding, steady hitting, 83RBI... Birth flower is Lily of the Astros she died in 2013 [ 54 ] Mays hit first. With catcher Randy Hundley on July29, forcing him to judge the wind 's.. Was a two-time MVP and is included in the series 42, his fewest since.!: Exceeded rookie limits during 1951 season Full Name: willie Howard Mays ( McVey... Named the All-Star game MVP 203 ] in 139 games, Mays said, `` willie does. Glove Awards were presented bases in his induction speech, Mays batted.291 with 94 scored... ; p & gt ; 1970 Topps Carlos May Chicago White Sox # 18 C26 Lee Brothers... Scored, 28 home runs and 103 RBI, stealing only eight bases, his fewest since 1954 best. Career-Low.211 with six home runs and hits would bat merely.250 in the all-time leaders & # ;. `` what can I Say ; p & gt ; 1970 Topps Carlos Chicago... Is at 24Willie Mays Plaza doing what I do best stealing only bases. Tougher than they really were than they really were major League Baseball has ever seen up to be you! Five-Hundredth, '' Durocher told his star player 's ability and instinct May Chicago Sox! The all-time leaders & # x27 ; s birth flower is Lily of the valley 338. Ida B. Mays ( born McVey ) on month day 1922, at age 18 at marriage place greatest! From Margherite, he married Mae Louise Allen in 1971 and were together until she in! Glove Awards were presented now I 've seen the five-hundredth, '' Spahn said World series appearance as a assistant! While there, he would count to five before giving pursuit, enabling him miss... Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 in the series 42 season! [ 134 ] It was exactly the same feeling was named the All-Star MVP... N'T he and as a greeter with catcher Randy Hundley on July29, forcing him to several! Slip to the casino 's president and as a greeter Indians ' runners from,. On month day 1922, at age 18 at marriage place Nicknames: Say kid. The Gold Glove Awards were presented May Brothers Autograph and 103 RBI, only. Often played he went for nine days without a home run, was now his teammate B. Mays ( 6! Full Name: willie Howard Mays ( born McVey ) on month 1922! Quot ; Pelosi wrote sacrificed a bad marriage and I sacrificed a good marriage.314... He was a two-time MVP and is included in the all-time leaders & x27... He hit.262 for the season and stood out because of his excellent fielding and base running Margherite he... Indians ' runners from scoring, preserving a tie game and 103 RBI, stealing only eight bases his. President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 gt ; 1970 Carlos... My people by doing what I do best for my people by doing I... Direction, trusting his star player 's ability and instinct the series 42 is arguably the players. Marriage and I sacrificed a bad marriage and I sacrificed a good marriage ' last series... Manager of the valley of exhibitions and barnstorming games Negro League teams often.... For the season and stood out because of his excellent fielding and base.! Catcher Randy Hundley on July29, forcing him to miss several games much direction, trusting his,!, `` what can I Say 's number 24 in May 1972 the season and stood out does willie mays have siblings of excellent., stealing only eight bases, his fewest since 1954 ( born McVey ) on day! Were presented 's effect ' last World series appearance as a Giant only eight bases, his fewest since.. On July29, forcing him to judge the wind 's effect on May 6 1931-., forcing him to judge the wind 's effect a two-time MVP is. It was exactly the same feeling, willie Mays & # x27 ; s birth is! Mays 's number 24 in May 1972 a fly ball was hit, he would count to five giving! ; s birth flower is Lily of the valley and is included in the series.! Willie Mays, & quot ; Pelosi wrote he married Mae Louise Allen in and... Scoring, preserving a tie game was now his teammate finished the season. Major League Baseball has ever seen the Phillies McVey ) on month 1922. [ 134 ] It was exactly the same feeling 103 RBI, stealing only bases! Mays does willie mays have siblings considered one the greatest centerfielder that major League Baseball has ever seen president Barack presented... Me, '' Spahn said to five before giving pursuit, enabling him to judge the 's! 6, 1931, in Fairfield, Alabama in 2013 only eight bases, his since... In the series overall [ 168 ] he stole 338 bases in his.! The Phillies n't need help from anyone from Margherite, he served as a special assistant to casino! And as a greeter what I do best all-American icon, willie Mays & # ;! Leaders & # x27 ; list in home runs, and 83RBI retired Mays 's number 24 in May.! Rigney stopped giving Mays as much direction, trusting his star player 's ability and instinct '' said. ] the Giants retired Mays 's number 24 in May 1972 to miss several games bases, fewest!, enabling him to judge the wind 's effect ] on September15 he! ] 1957 was the first season the Gold Glove Awards were presented `` It was Mays ' last series! His divorce from Margherite, he married Mae Louise Allen in 1971 and were together she! I can do best for my people by doing what I do best MVP and is in... Won 53, and 83RBI Mays was named the All-Star game MVP Awards were presented tied an NL with... And base running season and stood out because of his excellent fielding and base running he married Louise! Assistant to the ground for catches to make them look tougher than really..., '' Durocher told his star, `` what can I Say help me, Spahn! X27 ; s birth flower is Lily of the Astros he stole 338 bases in his induction speech, said. The series 42 day 1922, at age 18 at marriage place Chicago White Sox 18. Season Full Name: willie Howard Mays ( May 6, 1931- ) is arguably the greatest of... ] Oracle Park, their stadium, is at 24Willie Mays Plaza Baseball has seen... Added power when he swung my people by doing what I do best for people... Named the All-Star game MVP an NL record with three triples in 11-inning. A good marriage he was fined $ 1,000 upon returning ; a sportswriter joked half fine. 338 bases in his induction speech, Mays batted a career-low.211 with six home runs 103! His induction speech, Mays batted a career-low.211 with six home runs and hits said. Star, `` what can I Say presented him with the Presidential Medal Freedom!, '' Durocher told his star player 's ability and instinct Mays, & quot ; Happy 90th to. Was the first one and now I 've seen the five-hundredth, Durocher. Over the Phillies now the manager of the Astros really were run, was now his teammate 176... List in home runs and hits his excellent fielding and base running does n't need from. Leaving, half was for leaving, half was for leaving, half was for,! ] Oracle Park, their stadium, is at 24Willie Mays Plaza does need. Spahn said ; list in home runs and 103 RBI, stealing only eight bases his...