Willie Mays, whose unmatched collection of skills made him the greatest center fielder who ever lived, died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93, the San Francisco Giants announced.
The Say Hey Kid left an indelible mark on the sport, with his name a constant throughout baseball's hallowed record book and his defensive prowess -- epitomized by "The Catch" in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series -- second to none.
Mays was born on May 6, 1931, and grew up in Alabama. He excelled in baseball, football and basketball in high school. But his love of baseball trumped all sports. In 1948, at the age of 17, he began his professional career with the Birmingham Black Barons, helping the team to the Negro League World Series that season. Since Mays was still in school, he only played on the weekends with the club; he traveled with Birmingham when school was out.
At age 20, Mays was the 10th Black player in the major league history. After going hitless in his first three games, Mays' first career hit was a home run off Hall of Famer Warren Spahn in the first inning of the Giants' 4-1 loss to the Braves on May 28, 1951. Mays was also on-deck when the Giants' Bobby Thomson hit his NL pennant-winning home run against the Dodgers on Oct. 3, 1951, famously known as "The Shot Heard 'Round the World.
During Game 1 of the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at the Polo Grounds, Mays made one of the most famous plays in baseball history. With the score tied at 2 and two runners on base, Cleveland's Vic Wertz hit a 2-1 pitch to deep center in the top of the 8th inning. Mays sprinted toward the wall with his back away from Wertz. He made a basket catch while on the run, pivoted and fired the ball into the infield.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
San Francisco Giants legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays diesSan Francisco Giants legend and baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 93.
Read more »
San Francisco Giants Legend Willie Mays, Dead at 93San Francisco Giants and MLB all-time great Willie Mays has passed away at 93.
Read more »
Willie Mays won't attend Negro League tribute game in AlabamaWillie Mays will not be attending the Negro League tribute game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, The San Francisco Chronicle confirmed.
Read more »
Willie Mays, Hall of Famer and Giants legend, has died at 93His singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players
Read more »
Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, dies at age 93Mays was a 24-time All-Star and his iconic over-the-shoulder catch is still considered one of the greatest in the history of the game.
Read more »
SF Giants legend, MLB Hall of Famer Willie Mays dies at 93 years oldAt 93 years old, Mays was the oldest living Hall of Famer and was set to be honored this week at MLB’s Rickwood Classic.
Read more »