Willie Mays death - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, passed away on May 6, 2022, at the age of 90.
- 2. Mays was born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, and began his professional baseball career in 1951 with the New York Giants.
- 3. Mays played the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants, where he became known for his exceptional hitting, fielding, and baserunning abilities.
- 4. Mays was a 24-time All-Star, a two-time National League Most Valuable Player, and a 12-time Gold Glove Award winner during his career.
- 5. Mays is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, with career statistics that include 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and a lifetime batting average of .302.
- 6. Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility, with an impressive 94.7% of the vote.
- 7. Mays was known for his iconic catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, known as "The Catch," where he made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch in deep center field.
- 8. Mays' impact on the game of baseball extended beyond his on-field performance, as he was a trailblazer for African American players and a role model for generations of athletes.
- 9. Mays' legacy lives on through his contributions to the game of baseball, as well as his philanthropic efforts and community involvement.
- 10. Mays' death marks the end of a legendary career and a lasting impact on the sport of baseball that will be remembered for generations to come.