Challenges in the Life of Willie Mays in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Willie Mays's life and career.

Willie Mays, "the Say Hey Kid," was a legendary MLB center fielder over 23 seasons. He began in the Negro leagues before joining the New York/San Francisco Giants and New York Mets in the National League. Considered one of baseball's greatest, Mays was a five-tool player renowned for his all-around excellence.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

July 28, 1953: Injury at Fort Eustis

On July 28, 1953, while playing for the Fort Eustis Wheels, Willie Mays chipped a bone in his foot, sidelining him for six weeks.

1956: Declining Attendance for Mays's Barnstorming Team in 1956

In 1956, Mays' All-Stars drew less than 1,000 fans, partially due to television's emergence.

1957: Housing Discrimination Against Mays

In 1957, Willie Mays's offer on a home in Sherwood Forest was refused due to neighbors' racial prejudice.

September 1959: Giants lose pennant lead, fans boo Mays

In September 1959, the Giants lost their lead in the NL pennant race after being swept by the Dodgers, leading to some San Francisco fans booing Willie Mays.

1959: Mays Rests from Barnstorming in 1959 Due to Injury

In 1959, Willie Mays did not lead a team in barnstorming due to a broken finger, as Stoneham wanted him to rest.

1959: Mays deals with booing from fans

In 1959, Willie Mays endured booing from San Francisco fans, potentially due to comparisons with Joe DiMaggio.

1960: Giants move to Candlestick Park, Mays adjusts to winds

In 1960, the Giants moved to Candlestick Park. Willie Mays found the stadium tricky to field due to unpredictable winds, but figured out how to play it as the season progressed. On September 15, Mays tied an NL record with three triples.

1961: Mays admits boos are bothering him, boos subside after four-home-run game

In 1961, Willie Mays admitted that the catcalls were bothering him, but the booing began to subside after his four-home-run game.

1965: Mays injured, acts as peacemaker in brawl

In 1965, Willie Mays sustained a torn shoulder muscle. On August 22, 1965, Mays acted as a peacemaker during a brawl between the Giants and Dodgers, and hit a game-winning home run but felt dizzy afterwards.

1967: Mays struck out four times, afflicted by fever

In 1967, Willie Mays was struck out four times for the first time in his career, and he left a game on July 14, 1967, due to a fever, spending five days in the hospital.

1972: Mays' Difficult Start and Contract Negotiations in 1972

Willie Mays had a slow start to the 1972 season, batting .184 with 3 RBI in his first 19 games. Before the season, he negotiated a two-year contract with the Giants after his request for a longer-term agreement was not met. He also had disagreements with manager Charlie Fox.

1973: Challenges and All-Star Selection in 1973

In 1973, Willie Mays faced challenges, including arriving late to spring training and disagreements with manager Yogi Berra. His performance declined, but he made the All-Star team due to special intervention. Despite the challenges, the Mets won the NL East.