Willie Mays

Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. Known as 'The Say Hey Kid', Mays would go on to become perhaps the greatest all-around player in baseball history. His career spanned 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the majority of it spent with the New York/San Francisco Giants.

On May 25, 1951, Willie Mays made his major league debut with the New York Giants. Despite going hitless in his first 12 at-bats, he soon found his footing and quickly established himself as a rising star in baseball with his power hitting, speed, and defensive prowess in center field.

During Game 1 of the 1954 World Series on September 29, Willie Mays made what is now famously known as 'The Catch'. Mays sprinted to deep center field in the Polo Grounds and made an over-the-shoulder catch to rob Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit, helping the Giants win the game and eventually the World Series.

The New York Giants won the 1954 World Series on October 2, sweeping the Cleveland Indians. Willie Mays's spectacular play, including his iconic catch and consistent offensive performance, was a pivotal factor in securing the championship for the Giants, marking the first and only World Series title in his career.

On April 21, 1956, Willie Mays hit four home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Braves at Milwaukee County Stadium. He became the second player in the modern era to achieve this feat, highlighting his incredible power and timing at the plate.

Willie Mays was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) on October 16, 1962. During that season, he led the San Francisco Giants to the National League pennant while registering a batting average of .304 and hitting 49 home runs with 141 RBIs.

On May 11, 1972, Willie Mays was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets. The trade marked the return of Mays to New York City, where he began his MLB career, and allowed him to finish his playing career in a city where he had established himself as a household name.

Willie Mays officially retired from Major League Baseball on October 16, 1973. His retirement occurred at the end of the 1973 season, concluding an illustrious career during which he accumulated numerous accolades, including 24 All-Star selections, 12 Gold Glove Awards, and two MVP Awards.

Willie Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 22, 1979. In his first year of eligibility, Mays received 94.7% of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America, a testament to his exceptional career and lasting impact on the sport of baseball.

On July 13, 1999, Willie Mays was named to Major League Baseball's All-Century Team. This honor recognized Mays as one of the 100 greatest players in MLB history, a reflection of his outstanding contributions and enduring legacy in the sport.

In the year 2000, Willie Mays was ranked second on The Sporting News list of 'Baseball's 100 Greatest Players'. This ranking highlights the high regard in which Mays is held by baseball historians, sportswriters, and fans, solidifying his legacy as one of the top players in the history of the game.

Willie Mays received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 13, 2015. This prestigious award, presented by President Barack Obama, acknowledged Mays's contributions not only to baseball but also to American culture and society as a whole.