Lasting Legacy of Willie Mays: A Look at the Influence on History

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

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Willie Mays across different fields.

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

1951: Mention of 1951 Mays Rookie Card

The plot of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "In the Cards" centers on the son of Captain Sisko (a noted baseball aficionado) attempting to obtain as a gift for his father a vintage 1951 Willie Mays rookie card.

1954: "Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)" Recorded

In 1954, The Treniers recorded "Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)", in which Willie Mays himself participated.

1963: Bob Dylan Mentions Mays

In 1963, Bob Dylan mentioned Willie Mays in “I Shall Be Free”, released on The Freewheelin Bob Dylan.

1963: A Man Named Mays Documentary

In 1963, NBC-TV aired an hour-long documentary titled A Man Named Mays, telling the story of the ballplayer's life.

January 1970: Mays named Player of the Decade

In January 1970, The Sporting News named Willie Mays the 1960s "Player of the Decade".

1972: Willie Mays and the Say-Hey Kid

In 1972, Willie Mays voiced himself in the animated fictional special Willie Mays and the Say-Hey Kid.

January 23, 1979: Mays Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame on January 23, 1979

On January 23, 1979, Willie Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving 94.68% of the votes.

1979: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1979, Willie Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, solidifying his legacy as one of baseball's greats.

1979: Mays Elected to Hall of Fame

In 1979, Willie Mays was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame, with Duke Snider acknowledging that Mays deserved to be in by himself.

1981: "Talkin' Baseball" references Mays

In 1981, Terry Cashman's "Talkin' Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke)" referenced Willie Mays.

1997: Willie Mays Rookie Card in Star Trek

In 1997, the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "In the Cards" centered on a vintage 1951 Willie Mays rookie card.

1999: Named to 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: Mays Ranked Second on "The Sporting News" List in 1999

In 1999, Willie Mays was ranked second on The Sporting News's "List of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players", only behind Babe Ruth. He was also elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

2004: Willie Mays Considered the Best

In 2004, Barra claimed that most modern fans would pick Willie Mays as the best all-around player in the second half of the twentieth century.

2010: Biography of Mays

In James S. Hirsch's 2010 authorized biography of Mays, it was written Mays had "one of his most exhilarating excursions" on April 21 in the game against the Phillies.

2015: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2015, Willie Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, honoring his contributions to baseball and American culture.

September 2017: MLB Renames World Series MVP Award

In September 2017, Major League Baseball renamed the World Series MVP Award the Willie Mays World Series MVP Award.

2020: Mays Ranked #1 on "Baseball 100" List in 2020

In 2020, The Athletic ranked Willie Mays at number 1 on its "Baseball 100" list, compiled by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.

2022: Mays Voted Greatest Player in Giants History in 2022

In 2022, MLB.com writers voted Willie Mays as the greatest player in the history of the Giants franchise.

May 28, 2024: MLB Integrated Negro League Statistics

On May 28, 2024, Major League Baseball announced that it had integrated Negro league statistics into its records, enhancing the recognition of players like Willie Mays during his time with the Birmingham Black Barons.

June 18, 2024: Willie Mays's Death

On June 18, 2024, Willie Howard Mays Jr., "the Say Hey Kid," passed away after a legendary career.

June 20, 2024: Tributes for Mays at Rickwood Field Game

On June 20, 2024, during the game at Rickwood Field, the San Francisco Giants wore a patch with "24" and his Hall of Fame plaque was displayed. His son spoke before the game.