Baseball legend Willie Mays, known as the 'Say Hey Kid', has passed away at the age of 93. Mays was a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and played for both the New York and San Francisco Giants, as well as a brief stint with the New York Mets.
Mays is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, known for his exceptional skill in all aspects of the game. He had 660 career home runs, 3,293 hits, and a .301 career batting average.
Born on May 6, 1931 in Westfield, Alabama, Mays was raised by his father William Howard 'Cat' Mays Sr., two aunts Sarah and Ernestine, and mother Annie Satterwhite. He started playing for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948 before being purchased by the Giants in 1950.
Mays had a successful career with the Giants, earning Rookie of the Year award in 1951 and winning two National League MVP awards. He was traded to the Mets in 1972, where he played for one season before retiring.
Throughout his career, Mays was known for his exuberant style of play and effervescent personality, making him one of the game's most charismatic figures. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 and is survived by his son Michael.
Mays' impact on the game of baseball cannot be overstated. His combination of power, speed, and defense made him one of the greatest all-around players in history. He will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.