Willie Mays
Willie Mays: A Baseball Legend
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Willie Howard Mays Jr., commonly known as "The Say Hey Kid," is a legendary American baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for 22 seasons.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Willie Mays passed away on February 28, 2020, at the age of 88.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Baseball Player, Coach
Willie Mays is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. During his illustrious career, he played in the Major Leagues from 1951 to 1973, primarily with the New York Giants and San Francisco Giants.
Early Life and Background
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Mays grew up in a poor family in Westfield, Alabama. His father, William Howard Mays Sr., was a sharecropper who died when Willie was just eight years old. The young Willie was forced to drop out of school in the seventh grade to help support his family by picking cotton.
However, fate intervened when he discovered baseball. He joined a local team and quickly developed his skills as an outfielder. In 1949, Mays caught the attention of the New York Giants' scouting department, which led to him signing with the team at just 18 years old.
Major Accomplishments
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Willie Mays's accomplishments on the field are staggering:
24 All-Star Game selections: A testament to his consistent excellence throughout his career.
2 MVP awards: He won the Most Valuable Player award in both 1954 and 1965, a rare feat for any player.
660 home runs: Mays finished his career with an impressive total of 660 home runs, ranking him fourth on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.Notable Works or Actions
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Willie Mays's impact went beyond his impressive statistics. He was known for his exceptional defensive skills and was considered one of the greatest center fielders in baseball history. His ability to track down fly balls and throw out base runners made him an invaluable asset to any team.
Mays also played a significant role in the integration of baseball, paving the way for other African American players like Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson. He was a trailblazer in every sense, breaking barriers on and off the field.
Impact and Legacy
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Willie Mays's impact on baseball extends far beyond his playing career:
Inspiration to generations: His exceptional skills, work ethic, and sportsmanship have inspired countless young players to pursue their dreams.
Iconic status: Mays is often regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, alongside Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.
Legacy in San Francisco: The San Francisco Giants retired his number 24 jersey in 1971, solidifying his place in the city's sports history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Willie Mays is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Unmatched athleticism: His incredible speed, agility, and power made him a dominant force on the field.
Leadership and sportsmanship: Mays was known for his exceptional work ethic, leadership qualities, and respect for the game.
* Enduring legacy: Even decades after his retirement, Mays remains an iconic figure in baseball, inspiring new generations of players and fans.
As "The Say Hey Kid," Willie Mays left an indelible mark on the world of baseball. His impressive career, remarkable achievements, and enduring legacy cement his place as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Quotes by Willie Mays
Willie Mays's insights on:
I always enjoyed playing ball, and it didn't matter to me whether I played with white kids or black. I never understood why an issue was made of who I played with, and I never felt comfortable, when I grew up, telling other people how to act.
I'm a very lucky guy. I had so many people help me over the years that I never had many problems. If I had a problem, I could sit down with someone and they would explain the problem to me, and the problem become like a baseball game.
I played with the Birmingham Black Barons. I was making 500 at 14. That was a lot of money in those days.
At ten I was playing against 18-year-old guys. At 15 I was playing professional ball with the Birmingham Black Barons, so I really came very quickly in all sports.
I always enjoyed playing ball, and it didn’t matter to me whether I played with white kids or black. I never understood why an issue was made of who I played with, and I never felt comfortable, when I grew up, telling other people how to act.
In 1950, when the Giants signed me, they gave me $15,000. I bought a 1950 Mercury. I couldn’t drive, but I had it in the parking lot there, and everybody that could drive would drive the car. So it was like a community thing.
