Willie Mays Jr., known as "The Say Hey Kid", was a legendary American baseball center fielder. Considered one of the best players ever, he consistently ranks second only to Babe Ruth in numerous all-time rankings, including those by The Sporting News and ESPN. Mays primarily played in the National League (NL) from 1951 to 1973, representing the New York/San Francisco Giants and later the New York Mets.
1911: Frank Schulte's 20-20-20 Club Achievement
Frank Schulte became the first baseball player to achieve the 20-20-20 club status in 1911, a feat later matched by Willie Mays in 1957.
1930: Bill Terry's Batting Title
In 1930, Bill Terry won the last batting title for the Giants before Willie Mays achieved the feat in 1954.
May 6, 1931: Birth of Willie Mays
Willie Howard Mays Jr., nicknamed "The Say Hey Kid", was born on May 6, 1931. He would go on to become one of the greatest professional baseball players ever, playing as a center fielder in the National League.
1948: Joined Birmingham Black Barons
In 1948, Willie Mays joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League, where he was known as "Buck". He played with the team until the Giants signed him in 1950.
1948: Playing with Chattanooga Choo-Choos
In 1948, Willie Mays played briefly during the summer with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a Negro minor league team. Later that year, he joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League.
1950: Joining Class B Trenton Giants
After signing with the New York Giants, Willie Mays spent the remainder of 1950 with the Class B Trenton Giants of the Interstate League, where he batted .353.
1950: Signed by New York Giants
Willie Mays was signed by the New York Giants upon graduating from high school in 1950. This marked the beginning of his Major League Baseball career.
May 24, 1951: Called Up to New York Giants
Willie Mays was called up by the New York Giants on May 24, 1951. Initially reluctant to accept the promotion, he eventually joined the team and was given the famous moniker "The Say Hey Kid".
1951: Promotion to Triple-A Minneapolis Millers
In 1951, Willie Mays was promoted to the Triple-A Minneapolis Millers of the American Association. He batted .477 in 35 games, demonstrating his exceptional talent.
1951: 1951 World Series and Historic Outfield
In the 1951 World Series, Willie Mays, Hank Thompson, and Monte Irvin comprised the first all-black outfield in major league history. Although the Giants lost the series, this marked a significant milestone in baseball history.
1951: Willie Mays' MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year
Willie Mays debuted in Major League Baseball in 1951 with the New York Giants. He won the Rookie of the Year Award after hitting 20 home runs and helping the Giants win their first pennant in 14 years.
1951: Mays' Rookie Season
Willie Mays made his Major League debut in 1951, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. This rookie season introduced the world to a young and talented player who would go on to become one of baseball's biggest stars.
1952: Drafted for Korean War
After the 1951 season, Willie Mays was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. He played the first few weeks of the 1952 season with the Giants before reporting for duty.
March 1, 1954: Discharged from Military Service
Willie Mays was discharged from the Army on March 1, 1954, after serving during the Korean War. He reported to the Giants' spring training camp the following day.
1954: "Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)" Released
In 1954, The Treniers recorded and released "Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)", a popular song dedicated to Willie Mays, in which Mays himself participated.
1954: Adjusting His Swing
In 1954, Willie Mays adjusted his batting style to hit more towards right and center field, aiming for a higher batting average.
1954: NL MVP and World Series Champion
In 1954, Willie Mays won the National League MVP Award and led the Giants to a World Series title. His over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 is one of the most famous plays in baseball history.
1954: Lowest Stolen Bases Since 1954
In 1963, Willie Mays stole only eight bases, marking his lowest total since the 1954 season.
1954: Mays' Batting Title Pursuit
Similar to 1958, Willie Mays was in contention for the NL batting title in 1954. He ultimately lost to Philadelphia's Richie Ashburn in both seasons.
1954: The Catch and World Series Triumph
The 1954 World Series saw Willie Mays and the Giants triumph over the Cleveland Indians. This series is famous for "The Catch," a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch by Mays in Game 1, preventing the Indians from scoring and solidifying his place in baseball history. The Giants ultimately won the series.
1954: Willie Mays' Breakout Season
Willie Mays started the 1954 season with a bang, hitting a home run on Opening Day. After a slow start, he made adjustments to his batting stance and position in the lineup, leading to a significant improvement in his batting average. He hit 30 home runs before the All-Star Game, a first in baseball history. In 1954, Mays also won his first MVP award and the Hickok Belt.
1954: Defensive Prowess and "The Basket Catch"
By 1954, Willie Mays had already established himself as a skilled outfielder, known for his signature "basket catch".
1955: Barnstorming with All-Stars
Starting in 1955, Willie Mays began leading "Willie Mays' All-Stars" on barnstorming tours, playing exhibition games in front of large crowds.
1955: Increased Base Stealing and Durocher's Departure
Willie Mays significantly improved his base stealing abilities in 1955, increasing his total steals from the previous year. He also led the league with 51 home runs but finished fourth in MVP voting. The end of the season marked the departure of manager Leo Durocher, who had been instrumental in Mays' development.
1956: Barnstorming Attendance Decline
In 1956, attendance for Willie May's barnstorming tours declined, partially due to the rise of television.
1956: Mays Marries Marghuerite Wendell Chapman
Willie Mays married Marghuerite Wendell Chapman, his third wife, in 1956.
1956: Friction with New Manager and 30-30 Club
In 1956, Willie Mays experienced difficulties with new manager Bill Rigney, leading to public criticism and fines. Despite this, he achieved a career-high 40 stolen bases and hit 36 home runs, making him only the second player to join the 30-30 club.
1956: First Batting Average Below .300 Since 1956
For the first time since 1956, Willie Mays finished the 1964 season with a batting average below .300, hitting .296.
1956: Willie Mays' Popularity and Stickball Prowess in Harlem
Before his first marriage in 1956, Willie Mays was a beloved figure in Harlem, often participating in local stickball games. He was known for his incredible ability in the game, with tales of him hitting shots measuring "five sewers" (approximately 450 feet) becoming legendary. This period showcased his connection to the community and his down-to-earth nature.
September 29, 1957: Emotional Farewell to the Polo Grounds
On September 29, 1957, the Giants played their final game at the Polo Grounds. During this emotional farewell, fans showed their appreciation for Willie Mays with a standing ovation during his final at-bat. This marked the end of an era for the Giants and their move to San Francisco.
1957: First Gold Glove Award
In 1957, Willie Mays won his first Gold Glove Award. He would go on to win 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, setting a record for outfielders.
1957: International Barnstorming Success
Willie Mays took his All-Star team international in 1957, drawing huge crowds in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
1957: Improved Relationship, Exhilarating Plays, and First Gold Glove
Willie Mays' relationship with manager Bill Rigney improved in 1957, leading to more freedom and trust on the field. He had several standout games, showcasing his base-running prowess and scoring crucial runs. 1957 also marked the year Mays won his first Gold Glove award, the first of twelve consecutive awards. He also became the fourth player in MLB history to join the 20-20-20 club and achieved his second 30-30 club season.
1958: First Time Failing to Reach 100 RBIs Since 1958
For the first time since the 1958 season, Willie Mays did not achieve at least 100 RBIs, finishing the 1967 season with 70.
1958: Highest Paid Player and Pursuit of Babe Ruth's Record
Willie Mays became the highest-paid player in baseball in 1958. Manager Bill Rigney aimed to have Mays challenge Babe Ruth's home run record. Despite playing almost every game, Mays hit only 29 home runs. However, he did achieve a career-high batting average of .347 and shared the inaugural NL Player of the Month award with Stan Musial.
1958: Continuing Barnstorming in Mexico
Willie Mays' All-Stars continued their barnstorming tour in Mexico in 1958.
September 1959: Injury, Pennant Race Disappointment, and Consistent Performance
Willie Mays suffered a serious injury during spring training in 1959 but recovered by the start of the season. He continued to play through a broken finger, keeping it secret to avoid being targeted by pitchers. Despite Mays' consistent performance, the Giants lost the pennant race after leading for most of the season, leading to disappointment among fans and the team.
1959: Booing in San Francisco
During his early years with the San Francisco Giants, Willie Mays experienced booing from the home crowd. This period, starting around 1959, saw speculation about the reasons, including possible comparisons to Joe DiMaggio's legacy in San Francisco and Mays' reserved personality.
1959: Mays and Marghuerite Adopt Michael
In 1959, Willie Mays and his wife, Marghuerite, adopted a five-day-old baby named Michael.
1959: Rest and Recuperation
In 1959, Willie Mays did not lead a barnstorming team due to a broken finger, allowing him time to rest.
1960: Adjusting to Candlestick Park and Notable Achievements
The Giants moved to Candlestick Park in 1960. The park's unpredictable winds initially affected Willie Mays' performance, but he learned to adapt. He achieved notable feats, including hitting two home runs and stealing home in a single game and tying an NL record with three triples in another. Despite these achievements, the Giants finished fifth, a disappointing result after being considered favorites for the pennant.
1960: Exhibition Games in Tokyo
Instead of barnstorming, Willie Mays and the Giants played a series of exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo in 1960.
April 30, 1961: Four Home Run Game
On April 30, 1961, Willie Mays, despite feeling unwell due to suspected food poisoning, had one of his most memorable games. Playing for the Giants against the Milwaukee Braves, he hit four home runs and drove in eight runs, with each home run traveling over 400 feet.
1961: All-Star Game Heroics
In 1961, Willie Mays scored the winning run for the National League in the bottom of the 10th inning of the All-Star Game off a single by Roberto Clemente.
1961: Subsiding Boos
While Willie Mays faced booing from some San Francisco fans, the intensity decreased following his impressive four-home run game in 1961. This marked a turning point in his relationship with the fans.
1961: Mays Meets Mae Louise Allen
Willie Mays received Mae Louise Allen's phone number from Wilt Chamberlain, marking the beginning of their relationship.
1961: The End of Barnstorming
With declining interest, Willie Mays chose not to lead a barnstorming team in 1961, and the tradition began to fade.
1962: Giants' Success and Quieter Boos
By 1962, the boos directed at Willie Mays had diminished significantly as the Giants enjoyed a successful season. The team's improved performance, coupled with Mays' continued excellence, contributed to a more positive atmosphere.
1962: Leading the Giants to the World Series
In 1962, Willie Mays led the Giants to the World Series with a game-winning home run in the final regular season game, forcing a playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He then helped secure the Giants' victory in the decisive Game 3.
1962: Mays and Marghuerite Separate
Willie Mays and Marghuerite separated in 1962.
1962: 1962 World Series Appearance
Willie Mays led the San Francisco Giants to the 1962 World Series, where they faced the New York Yankees but ultimately lost.
1963: The Catch and All-Star Game MVP
During the 1963 All-Star Game, Willie Mays made an incredible catch, now known as "The Catch", snaring his foot under a wire fence to catch a long fly ball. He was named the All-Star Game MVP, with the NL winning 5-3.
1963: "A Man Named Mays" Documentary Air
In 1963, NBC-TV aired a one-hour documentary titled "A Man Named Mays," which chronicled Willie Mays's life and career. This documentary provided an intimate look into the life of a baseball legend and further solidified his place in American popular culture.
1963: Mays and Marghuerite Divorce
The divorce of Willie Mays and Marghuerite Wendell Chapman was finalized in 1963, with Marghuerite primarily caring for their adopted son, Michael.
1963: Record-Setting Contract and 400th Home Run
Willie Mays signed a then-record-breaking contract worth $105,000 per season in 1963. That same year, he hit his 400th career home run, becoming the tenth player in MLB history to achieve this milestone.
1964: Becoming the First African-American Captain in MLB
In 1964, Willie Mays was named the captain of the San Francisco Giants by manager Alvin Dark. This made him the first African-American captain in Major League Baseball history.
August 1965: Fourth NL Player of the Month Award
In August 1965, Willie Mays won his fourth and final NL Player of the Month Award, achieving a .363 batting average with 17 home runs and 29 RBIs during that month.
1965: Willie Stargell Experiences Mays' Arm
Willie Stargell famously learned about the strength of Willie Mays' arm when he was thrown out in a game in 1965.
1965: Second MVP Award
Willie Mays won his second National League MVP Award in 1965 while playing for the San Francisco Giants.
1965: Setting Records in the All-Star Game
Willie Mays hit a leadoff home run in the 1965 All-Star Game, setting a record for most hits in All-Star Game appearances with 21.
1965: Shoulder Injury and Role in the Mays-Roseboro Incident
During the 1965 season, Willie Mays suffered a torn shoulder muscle, impacting his throwing ability. That year, he was also involved in a game between the Giants and Dodgers that became infamous for a brawl involving Juan Marichal and John Roseboro. Mays acted as a peacemaker, trying to de-escalate the situation.
April 24, 1966: Tying Mel Ott's NL Home Run Record
Willie Mays tied Mel Ott's National League record of 511 career home runs on April 24, 1966, during a game against the Houston Astros.
1967: First Four-Strikeout Game and Illness
In 1967, Willie Mays experienced both a career first and a health setback. On June 7, he struck out four times in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, a first for him. Later that year, he was hospitalized due to a fever, an event that noticeably affected his performance for the remainder of the season.
May 6, 1968: Willie Mays' 37th Birthday Celebration
On May 6, 1968, Willie Mays celebrated his 37th birthday and received a 569-pound cake from Astros owner Roy Hofheinz, symbolizing his career home runs.
1968: Second All-Star Game MVP Award
Mays had a remarkable All-Star game in 1968, scoring the only run of the game and earning his second All-Star Game MVP Award.
January 1970: Willie Mays Named Player of the Decade
In January 1970, Willie Mays was recognized for his exceptional performance and was named the "Player of the Decade" for the 1960s by The Sporting News.
1971: Willie Mays Turns 40, Embraces First Base
In 1971, Willie Mays turned 40 and demonstrated his versatility by playing 48 games at first base while maintaining center field as his primary position.
1971: Giants Return to Playoffs, Mays Earns Inaugural Roberto Clemente Award
The Giants' 1971 NL West victory marked Willie Mays' first playoff appearance since 1962. He received the inaugural Roberto Clemente Award (then known as the Commissioner's Award).
May 11, 1972: Willie Mays Traded to the New York Mets
On May 11, 1972, Willie Mays was traded back to the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Charlie Williams and an undisclosed sum. His salary was guaranteed for 1972 and 1973, with a 10-year post-retirement contract.
May 1972: Giants Retire Mays' Number 24
Willie Mays's iconic number 24 was retired by the San Francisco Giants in May 1972, a testament to his legendary status within the franchise. This honor solidified his place in baseball history and cemented his legacy as a Giant.
1972: Mets Acquire Mays in a Trade
In 1972, Willie Mays was traded to the New York Mets, returning him to the city where his Major League career began. This move, orchestrated by Mets' owner Joan Payson, was a significant moment in baseball history and allowed Mays to finish his career in New York.
1972: Mays Voices Himself in Animated Special
Willie Mays lent his voice to the animated television special "Willie Mays and the Say-Hey Kid" in 1972. This appearance demonstrated his versatility and his appeal to audiences beyond baseball.
1972: Trade to New York Mets
Willie Mays was traded to the New York Mets in 1972. This marked the final phase of his illustrious career.
1972: Mays Returns to New York, Receives Warm Welcome
In 1972, Willie Mays made his highly anticipated return to New York, receiving a warm welcome from fans at Shea Stadium. He joined the Mets for 88 games and hit eight home runs.
1972: Mays Seeks Long-Term Contract, Faces Challenges
Before the start of the 1972 season, Willie Mays requested a 10-year contract with the Giants but faced financial limitations within the organization, ultimately agreeing to a two-year deal.
August 17, 1973: Willie Mays Hits His 660th and Final Home Run
On August 17, 1973, Willie Mays hit his final home run, marking his 660th, against the Reds' Don Gullett.
1973: Mets Clinch World Series Berth, Mays Contributes in NLCS
In 1973, Willie Mays and the New York Mets secured their place in the World Series. Mays made a significant contribution during the NL Championship Series against the Cincinnati Reds.
1973: Mets Guarantee Mays' Salary for 1973
The Mets honored the trade agreement and guaranteed Willie Mays' salary for the 1973 season.
1973: Willie Mays' Retirement
Willie Mays retired from professional baseball in 1973 after a trade to the New York Mets. He ended his career following the team's trip to the 1973 World Series.
1973: Mays Experiences Challenges, Mets Secure NL East Title
Despite challenges and conflicts in 1973, Willie Mays and the Mets emerged victorious, winning the National League East title.
1975: Joe McDonald Threatens to Fire Mays
In 1975, Joe McDonald, the General Manager of the New York Mets, threatened to fire Willie Mays from his position as hitting instructor. This was due to Mays' inconsistent attendance and frequent absences from games. Only through the intervention of Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and Mays' lawyer did he manage to keep his job, albeit with the condition of attending at least four innings of home games.
1976: Mays Attends White House State Dinner
Willie Mays was invited to a White House state dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II during Gerald Ford's administration in 1976. This invitation reflected his prominent standing in American culture and his recognition beyond the realm of sports.
January 23, 1979: Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame
Willie Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 23, 1979, in his first year of eligibility, receiving an overwhelming majority of the votes.
October 1979: Willie Mays' Casino Job and Ban from Baseball
In October 1979, Willie Mays's decision to accept a job at Bally's Park Place casino in Atlantic City led to his ban from baseball. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, concerned about gambling's influence on the sport, forced Mays to choose between the casino and baseball. Despite his role as a greeter and not a gambler, Mays chose the casino, severing his ties with the Mets.
1979: Universally Recognized as One of the Best
When Willie Mays was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979, many players and coaches voiced their agreement, solidifying his place as one of the greatest baseball players.
1979: Willie Mays as New York Mets Hitting Instructor
Willie Mays served as the hitting instructor for the New York Mets until 1979. However, his tenure was marked by inconsistency. His frequent absences and missed appointments led to threats of dismissal by General Manager Joe McDonald in 1975. Despite these issues, Mays' coaching influenced players like Lee Mazzilli, who learned the basket catch from him.
1979: Induction into Baseball Hall of Fame
Willie Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 in his first year of eligibility, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport.
1981: "Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke)" Released
Terry Cashman released "Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke)" in 1981, a song that celebrates the three iconic New York City center fielders of the 1950s: Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider.
1985: Willie Mays and the Pittsburgh Drug Trials
During the 1985 Pittsburgh drug trials, Willie Mays faced allegations of amphetamine use during his career. Former teammate John Milner testified that Mays kept amphetamines in his locker, but never witnessed him using them. Mays denied these claims, attributing his need for medication to stay on the field to vitamins prescribed by doctors. While his amphetamine use remains unproven, the controversy surrounding this period contributed to a complex aspect of his legacy.
1985: Reinstatement of Willie Mays by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth
Willie Mays's ban from baseball was lifted in 1985 by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. Recognizing Mays's immense contributions to the sport, Ueberroth reinstated him alongside Mickey Mantle, who had faced a similar suspension. This marked a significant moment in baseball history, allowing Mays to return to the sport he loved.
1986: Mays Returns to the Giants
In 1986, Willie Mays returned to the San Francisco Giants, this time as a special assistant to the president and general manager. This marked the start of a new chapter in his relationship with the team, allowing him to contribute to the organization off the field.
1993: Mays Signs Lifetime Contract with the Giants
Willie Mays solidified his bond with the San Francisco Giants in 1993 by signing a lifetime contract with the team. This demonstrated their mutual respect and commitment and ensured that Mays would forever be associated with the franchise.
1997: Mae Louise Allen Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease
In 1997, Mae Louise Allen, Willie Mays's wife, received an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
1997: Mays' Rookie Card Featured in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"
In a 1997 episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" titled "In the Cards," the plot revolved around a character trying to obtain a vintage 1951 Willie Mays rookie card. This unexpected reference highlighted Mays's lasting impact on popular culture and his recognition across generations.
1999: Named to MLB All-Century Team
In 1999, Willie Mays was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players of the 20th century.
1999: Recognized as One of the Greatest
Willie Mays was recognized for his extraordinary talent and impact on baseball, ranking second on The Sporting News's list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players in 1999.
2000: Opening of Pac Bell Park
Willie Mays played a key role in generating public support for the construction of Pac Bell Park, which opened in 2000. This new stadium, later renamed Oracle Park, served as a symbol of the Giants' commitment to their fans and to the legacy of their greatest player.
2004: Recognition of Willie Mays as One of Baseball's Greatest
In 2004, Willie Mays continued to be recognized as one of baseball's all-time greats. His 156.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) ranked fifth all-time and third among position players. He was lauded for his exceptional skills as a center fielder and his consistent performance throughout his career. Many argued that he deserved to have won more than the two National League MVP Awards he received.
2005: Glaucoma Impacts Mays' Activities
Due to the effects of glaucoma, Willie Mays had to stop driving and playing golf after 2005.
July 30, 2006: Mays Serves as Tee Ball Commissioner
In 2006, Willie Mays served as the Tee Ball Commissioner at the White House Tee Ball Initiative during George W. Bush's presidency. This role highlighted Mays' commitment to promoting youth baseball and using his platform to inspire future generations.
2008: Mays Inducted into Giants' Wall of Fame
Willie Mays was among the inaugural inductees into the San Francisco Giants' Wall of Fame in 2008. This honor recognized his immense contributions to the team and solidified his place as one of the franchise's most beloved figures.
July 14, 2009: Mays Attends All-Star Game with President Obama
Willie Mays accompanied President Barack Obama to the All-Star Game in St. Louis on July 14, 2009. This event showcased Mays's enduring legacy and his status as a respected figure in American sports and society.
2010: Mays' Biography Published
James S. Hirsch published an authorized biography of Willie Mays in 2010, detailing his life and career, including his remarkable performance in a game against the Phillies on April 21, 1957.
April 19, 2013: Mae Louise Allen Passes Away
On April 19, 2013, Mae Louise Allen, Willie Mays's wife, passed away after battling Alzheimer's disease. Mays had been her primary caregiver.
2015: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Willie Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
September 2017: World Series MVP Award Renamed in Mays' Honor
In September 2017, Major League Baseball renamed the World Series MVP Award to the Willie Mays World Series MVP Award. This decision immortalized Mays's impact on the sport and cemented his legacy as one of baseball's most significant figures.
2018: Report of Mays' Blindness
Sportswriter Ed Lucas reported that Willie Mays had confided in him "a few years ago" that he had lost his sight.
2020: Ranked Number One by The Athletic
In 2020, The Athletic ranked Willie Mays as the number one player on their "Baseball 100" list.
2020: Mays Resides in Atherton
In 2020, Willie Mays was residing in Atherton, California, with his personal assistant and caretaker.
June 2021: High Rankings in Key Categories
As of June 2021, Willie Mays held impressive rankings in several offensive categories, including seventh in runs scored and twelfth in runs batted in.
June 2021: Willie Mays' Career Statistics and Legacy
As of June 2021, Willie Mays held numerous impressive career statistics. He boasted a .302 batting average, 3,293 hits (12th all-time), and 2,992 games played (9th all-time). He also stole 338 bases and won 12 Gold Glove Awards, a record for outfielders. His defensive prowess is evident in his record-breaking 7,095 outfield putouts.
2021: Clarification on Mays' Vision
On the occasion of Mays' 90th birthday in 2021, James S. Hirsch clarified in The New York Times that Mays' vision was "compromised" by glaucoma but he was not entirely blind and could still watch games on television with some difficulty.
August 27, 2022: New York Mets Retire Mays' Number 24
On August 27, 2022, the New York Mets retired Willie Mays's number 24, fulfilling a promise made by former owner Joan Payson when they acquired him in 1972. This rare honor, shared by only a handful of players, reflected Mays's impact on both franchises and his enduring legacy in baseball.
2022: Honored as Greatest Giant
Willie Mays' legacy with the San Francisco Giants was solidified in 2022 when he was voted the greatest player in franchise history by MLB.com writers.
2023: Contract Value in 2023 Dollars
Willie May's $105,000 salary in 1963 is equivalent to $1,040,000 in 2023.
February 2024: Still Among Baseball's Leaders
As of February 2024, Willie Mays still ranks sixth in home runs, demonstrating his lasting impact on the record books.
June 17, 2024: Mays' Final Public Statement
Willie Mays' final public statement was made on June 17, 2024, to the San Francisco Chronicle, expressing his decision to remain in California rather than attend the MLB game between the Giants and Cardinals at Rickwood Field.
June 18, 2024: Death of Willie Mays
Willie Mays passed away on June 18, 2024. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, ranking second behind Babe Ruth on many all-time lists.