Baseball legend Willie Mays, known as the 'Say Hey Kid,' passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday. Mays began his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons and joined the New York Giants in 1951. He won Rookie of the Year award with 20 home runs and helped Giants win their first pennant in 14 years. Mays missed two seasons after being drafted into the Army during Korean War, returned in 1954 and won NL MVP. In his 22 seasons, he was a 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, four-time NL home run leader and two-time NL MVP. He played in three World Series and made the play of the ages in Game One of 1954's World Series with 'The Catch.' Mays returned to play for Mets for his final years, delivering a clutch hit in Game Two of his last World Series at age 42. He was named to Major League Baseball All-Century Team and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Died just days before being honored at MLB's tribute to the Negro Leagues with the Rickwood Field Game in Birmingham.
MLB Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who was set to be honored at a Negro League tribute game at Rickwood Field, died Tuesday at 93. Mays led the National League in home runs and steals in four seasons and in slugging five times. He hit over .300 10 times and had a career average of .301.
Born in Westfield, Alabama, Mays began his professional baseball career with the Negro League Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. He is best known for his legendary play: The Catch in game one of the 1954 World Series. Mays appeared in a record 24 All-Star Games and holds 12 gold gloves as a center fielder. He could catch, steal bases with blazing speed, and hit for power with 660 home runs (sixth most all time).
Mays was voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1979.
Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees, had a memorable interaction with Mays where he observed his large hands. The Yankees honored Mays with a moment of silence ahead of their game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Willie Mays was not just an exceptional baseball player but also an American figure who transcended sports and is one of the all-time greats.
