Childhood and Education Journey of Willie Mays in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Willie Mays. A timeline of key moments.

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

1926: Birth of Marghuerite Wendell Chapman

Marghuerite Wendell Chapman, who became Willie Mays's first wife, was born in 1926.

May 6, 1931: Willie Mays Born

On May 6, 1931, Willie Howard Mays Jr., later nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was born. He went on to become a celebrated baseball player.

1949: High School Years

In 1949, Willie Mays was still attending Fairfield Industrial High School, where he played multiple sports.

1950: High School Graduation

In 1950, Willie Mays graduated from Fairfield Industrial High School.

1951: Drafted into the Army

In 1951, soon after the baseball season, Willie Mays was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War.

March 1, 1954: Discharge from Army

On March 1, 1954, Willie Mays was discharged from the Army and reported to the Giants' spring training camp the following day.

1956: Mays Marries Chapman

In 1956, Willie Mays married Marghuerite Wendell Chapman, becoming her third husband.

1956: Mays's First Marriage

In 1956, Willie Mays's participation in local stickball games with kids decreased due to his first marriage.

1959: Mays Adopts Michael

In 1959, Willie Mays and his wife, Marghuerite, adopted a five-day-old baby named Michael.

1961: Mays Receives Allen's Number

In 1961, Wilt Chamberlain gave Willie Mays Mae Louise Allen's phone number.

1962: Mays Separates From Wife

In 1962, Willie Mays separated from his wife, Marghuerite Wendell Chapman.

1963: Mays Divorces Chapman

In 1963, Willie Mays and Marghuerite Wendell Chapman divorced, with Marghuerite taking Michael.

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.