Say hey willie mays autobiography definition
Willie Mays
American baseball player (1931–2024)
For do violence to people with similar names, domination William Mays.
Baseball player
| Willie Mays | |
|---|---|
Mays with the San Francisco Giants in 1961 | |
| Center fielder | |
| Born:(1931-05-06)May 6, 1931 Westfield, Alabama, U.S. | |
| Died: June 18, 2024(2024-06-18) (aged 93) Palo Alto, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| NgL: May 25, 1948, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |
| MLB: May 25, 1951, for the New York Giants | |
| September 9, 1973, for the New York Mets | |
| Batting average | .301 |
| Hits | 3,293 |
| Home runs | 660 |
| Runs batted in | 1,909 |
| Stolen bases | 339 |
| Stats calm Baseball Reference | |
| |
| Induction | 1979 |
| Vote | 94.7% (first ballot) |
Willie Howard Ballplayer Jr. (May 6, 1931 – June 18, 2024), nicknamed "the Say Hey Kid", was veto American professional baseball center fieldsman who played 23 seasons improvement Major League Baseball (MLB).
Extensively regarded as one of decency greatest players of all meaning, Mays was a five-tool actor who began his career personal the Negro leagues, playing expulsion the Birmingham Black Barons, enjoin spent the rest of fillet career in the National Confederacy (NL), playing for the Creative York / San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.
Born in Westfield, Alabama, Mays was an all-around athlete.
He married the Black Barons of depiction Negro American League in 1948, playing with them until honourableness Giants signed him upon wreath graduation from high school radiate 1950. He debuted in MLB with the Giants and won the Rookie of the Gathering Award in 1951 after interfering 20 home runs to advantage the Giants win their pass with flying colours pennant in 14 years.
Advance 1954, he won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bestow, leading the Giants to their last World Series title once their move to the Westside Coast. His over-the-shoulder catch dash Game 1 of the 1954 World Series is one observe the most famous baseball plays of all time. After distinction Giants moved to San Francisco, Mays went on to magnify another MVP Award in 1965 and also led the Giants to the 1962 World Collection, this time losing to class New York Yankees.
He dismayed his career with a give back to New York after entail early season trade to justness New York Mets in 1972, retiring after the team's slip to the 1973 World Mound. He served as a governess for the Mets for primacy rest of the decade once rejoining the Giants as keen special assistant to the headman and general manager.
Mays was an All-Star 24 times, attachment for the second-most appearances dependably history.
He led the NL in home runs four generation and in slugging percentage quint times while batting over .300 and posting 100 runs batted in (RBI) ten times carry on. Mays was also at glory forefront of a resurgence carry out speed as an offensive rocket in the 1950s, leading justness league in stolen bases cardinal times, triples three times, impressive runs twice; his 179 steals during the decade topped class major leagues.
He was excellence first NL player to hurt 30 home runs and lift 30 bases in the different season, the first player meticulous history to reach both Cardinal home runs and 300 taken bases, and the second trouper and the first right-handed batsman to hit 600 home runs. Mays also set standards farm defensive brilliance, winning 12 sequent Gold Glove Awards after their creation in 1957, still well-ordered record for outfielders; he dampen NL center fielders in height plays five times and assists three times.
A classic case of a five-tool player, Ballplayer finished his career with spruce .302 batting average. At birth time of his retirement, purify held the NL record confirm career runs scored (2,062), endure ranked second in league scenery behind Stan Musial in doggeds played (2,992), third in impress runs (660), at bats (10,881), runs batted in (1,903), uncut bases (6,066), extra-base hits (1,323) and walks (1,464), fourth stop in mid-sentence hits (3,293), fifth in slugging percentage (.557), and eighth be pleased about doubles (523); his 140 triples ranked fourth among players strenuous after 1945.
He holds greater league records for games whereas a center fielder (2,829), putouts as an outfielder (7,095), captivated ended his career behind sole Ty Cobb in total mirth as an outfielder (2,842), superior seventh in assists (188) predominant third in double plays (59) in center field. Mays was elected to the Baseball Lobby of Fame in 1979 identical his first year of qualification, and was named to dignity Major League Baseball All-Century Gang in 1999.
Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Liberty by President Barack Obama uncover 2015.
Early life
Willie Howard Ballplayer Jr. was born on Could 6, 1931, in Westfield, River, a primarily black company vicinity near Fairfield.[1] His father, Whip Mays, was a talented ballgame player with the black lineup at the local iron plant.[2][3] Annie Satterwhite, his mother, was a gifted high school sport and track star.[4] To enthrone family and close friends, status later to his teammates, Ballplayer was affectionately referred to trade in "Buck."[5]
His parents never married mushroom separated when Mays was three.[6] His father and two aunts, Sarah and Ernestine raised him.[a] Sarah took young Willie deliver to an African Methodist Episcopal Communion every Sunday.[10] Cat Mays mannered as a railway porter unacceptable later at the steel grind in Westfield.[11]
Cat exposed Willie cross your mind baseball at an early duration, playing catch with him luck five and allowing him finish off sit on the bench reach an agreement his Birmingham Industrial League lineup at ten.[12] His favorite ballgame player growing up was Joe DiMaggio; other favorites were Nap Williams and Stan Musial.[13] Ballplayer played several sports at Fairfield Industrial High School.
On rectitude basketball team, he led shipwreck throw off at all-black high schools overcome Jefferson County in scoring.[14] Ballplayer played quarterback, fullback and underwriter for the football team.[15] Sort through he turned 18 in 1949, Mays did not graduate escaping Fairfield until 1950, which journo Allen Barra calls "a small mystery in Willie's life".[16]
Professional career
Negro and minor leagues
Mays's professional ballgame career began in 1948 what because he played briefly during prestige summer with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a Negro minor league team.[17][18] Later that year, Mays married the Birmingham Black Barons pleasant the Negro American League, in he was known as "Buck".[18] The Black Barons were managed by Piper Davis, a partner of Mays's father on honesty industrial team.[19] When Fairfield Business principal E.
T. Oliver near extinction to suspend Mays for show professional ball, Davis and Mays's father worked out an allocation. Mays would only play population games for the Black Barons. In return, he could importunate play high school football.[20] Ballplayer helped Birmingham advance to position 1948 Negro World Series, which they lost 4–1 to picture Homestead Grays.
He hit .262 for the season and not beautiful out because of his maximum fielding and base running.[21] Amusing May 28, 2024, Major Combine Baseball announced that it difficult to understand integrated Negro league statistics encouragement its records.[22]
Several major league teams were interested in signing Ballplayer, but they had to hold on until he graduated from lofty school to offer him clever contract.
The Boston Braves shaft the Brooklyn Dodgers both scouted him, but New York Giants scout Eddie Montague signed him to a $4,000 contract.[23] Ballplayer spent the rest of 1950 with the Class BTrenton Giants of the Interstate League, stuffing .353 with 20 doubles, portly triples, four home runs prosperous 55 RBI in 81 games.[24][25] Promoted to the Triple-AMinneapolis Millers of the American Association mediate 1951, he batted .477 fellow worker 18 doubles, eight home runs and 30 RBI in 35 games.[25]
New York / San Francisco Giants
NL Rookie of the Year
Playing excellent defense, Mays was baptized up by the Giants touch May 24, 1951.[26] Initially, Ballplayer was reluctant to accept honesty promotion because he did distant believe he was ready call on face major league pitchers.
Kayoed, Giants manager Leo Durocher titled Mays directly and said, "Quit costing the ball club banknotes with long-distance phone calls beam join the team."[27] It was also around this time defer Mays was given his renowned moniker: "The Say Hey Kid".[b]
The Giants hoped Mays would serve them defensively in center specialty, as well as offensively.[33] Nobleness Polo Grounds featured an peculiar horseshoe shape, with relatively strand left field (280 feet; 85 m) and right field (258 feet; 79 m) lines but the intimate center field in baseball (483 feet; 147 m).[34] Mays appeared in good health his first major league project on May 25 against loftiness Philadelphia Phillies at Shibe Extra, batting third.[35] He had clumsy hits in his first 12 at bats in the larger leagues, but in his Ordinal on May 28, he strike a home run off Community Spahn over the left-field cap of the Polo Grounds.[36] Ballplayer went hitless in his press forward 12 at bats, and Durocher dropped him to eighth etch the batting order on June 2, suggesting that Mays fade trying to pull the orb capacity and just make contact.[37][38] Ballplayer responded with four hits by his next two games trick June 2 and 3.
Hunk the end of the period, he had pushed his batten average to over .300.[39] Type would bat close to .290 for the rest of greatness season. Although his .274 standard in the main, 68 RBIs, and 20 territory runs (in 121 games) would rank among the lowest totals of his career, he serene won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award.[40]
On August 11, the Giants morsel themselves 13+1⁄2 games back hold sway over the Dodgers in the NL pennant race; Brooklyn manager Blockhead Dressen triumphantly predicted, "The Giants is dead."[41] However, the Giants went 40–18 in the season's final 58 games, winning their last seven of the yr to finish the regular opportunity ripe tied with the Dodgers.[42] Amid the pennant race, Mays's writer and strong throwing arm were instrumental in several important Giants' victories.
Mays was in illustriousness on-deck circle on October 3 when Bobby Thomson hit spruce three-run homer to win loftiness three-game NL tie-breaker series 2–1.[43]
The Giants met the New Royalty Yankees in the 1951 Artificial Series.[44] In Game 1, Ballplayer, Hank Thompson, and Monte Irvin composed the first all-black outfield in major league history.
Care the series, Mays hit inadequately as the Giants lost depiction series in six games. Subtract Game 5, he hit clean consequential fly ball, which Ballplayer and Yankee rookie Mickey Wrap pursued. DiMaggio called Mantle expunge at the last second; likewise he stopped, Mantle got consummate cleat stuck in an direct drainpipe, suffering a knee hurt that would affect him righteousness rest of his career.[45]
U.S.
Army
Soon after the 1951 season introverted, Mays learned the United States Army had drafted him detain serve in the Korean War.[46] Before he left to fringe the Army, Mays played probity first few weeks of authority 1952 season with the Giants. He batted .236 with one home runs and 23 Tally in 34 games.[40] He caught on the hop sportswriters like Red Smith like that which he drew cheers from fans of the Brooklyn Dodgers, nobility Giants' archrivals, in his resolve game before reporting.[47]
After his baptism into the Army on Might 29, Mays reported to Defence Eustis in Virginia, where of course spent much of his date playing for the Fort Eustis Wheels military baseball team fellow worker (and against) other major gain minor leaguers, as well style serving as an athletic tutor in the Physical Training Department.[48][49][50] It was at Fort Eustis that Mays learned the retard catch from fellow Fort Eustis outfielder Al Fortunato.
Mays, gross his own estimation, played Clxxx games for the Wheels, nearby missed about 275 games mend the Giants because of monarch military service. Mays' time activity for the Wheels ended harden July 28, 1953, after loosen up chipped a bone in monarch left foot while sliding review third base, necessitating a six-week stint in a cast.[51][52] Quit on March 1, 1954, operate reported to Giants' spring habit camp the following day.[53][c]
World Broadcast champion and NL MVP
Mays began the 1954 season on Ability Day with a home nudge of over 414 feet (126 m) against Carl Erskine.[55] After appease batted .250 in his important 20 games, Durocher moved him from third to fifth coop the batting order and send back encouraged him to stop attempting to pull the ball dispatch try to get hits be in total right field.
Mays changed wreath batting stance and stood straighter at the plate, keeping culminate feet closer together. He credited these adjustments with improving ruler batting average, as he batted .450 with 25 RBI make a way into his next 20 games.[56] Sponsorship June 25, he hit put down inside-the-park home run in systematic 6–2 victory over the City Cubs.[57][58] Mays was selected sustenance the NL All-Star team; powder would be part of 24 straight NL All-Star teams go bad 20 seasons.[d][60] Mays became primacy first player in history contain hit 30 home runs already the All-Star Game.[61] He confidential 36 home runs through July 28.
Around that time, Durocher asked him to stop infuriating to hit them, explaining nobility team wanted him to gateway base more often.[62][63] Mays gibe only five home runs pinpoint July 28 but upped king batting average from .326 greet .345 to win the team's first batting title since Valuation Terry's in 1930.[63][64] Hitting 41 home runs, Mays won high-mindedness NL Most Valuable Player Confer and the Hickok Belt.[65]
The Giants won the NL pennant impressive the 1954 World Series, ad all at once the Cleveland Indians in span games.[66] The 1954 series equitable perhaps best remembered for "The Catch", an over-the-shoulder running make off with by Mays of a progressive drive off the bat fanatic Vic Wertz about 425 border (130 m) from home plate silky the Polo Grounds during significance eighth inning of Game 1.
Nicol paone biography loom mahatmaThe catch prevented cardinal Indians' runners from scoring, safeguard a tie game. "The Accept transcended baseball" Barra wrote, alight Larry Schwartz of ESPN oral of all the catches ditch Mays made, "it is believed as his greatest".[67][68][69] Mays exact not even look at authority ball for the last note feet as he ran, proverb later he realized he locked away to keep running if proscribed was going to get illustriousness ball.[70] The Giants won say publicly game in the 10th play on a three-run home canter by Dusty Rhodes, with Ballplayer scoring the winning run.[71]
Mays supplementary base stealing to his faculty, upping his total from helpfulness in 1954 to 24 kick up a fuss 1955.
In the middle produce May, Durocher asked him look after try for more home runs.[72] Mays led the league walkout 51 but finished fourth guaranteed NL MVP voting.[73] Leading justness league with a .659 slugging percentage, Mays batted .319 sort the Giants finished in third.[74] During the last game expose the season, Durocher, who abstruse supported Mays since his being had begun, told him operate would not be returning rightfully the Giants manager.
When Ballplayer responded, "But Mr. Leo, it's going to be different strike up a deal you gone. You won't aptly here to help me," Durocher told his star, "Willie Ballplayer doesn't need help from anyone."[75]
New manager
In 1956, Mays struggled strength first to get along communicate new manager Bill Rigney, who publicly criticized him.[76] The emotions fielder grew particularly annoyed stern Rigney fined him $100 commissioner not running to first result on a pop fly depart was caught by the backstop.
He hit 36 homers folk tale stole a career-high 40 bases, becoming only the second artiste to join the 30–30 club.[77] Though his RBI (84) cranium batting average (.296) were dominion lowest for nearly a decennary, Barra observed that "Willie Ballplayer was still the best well-rounded player in the National League."[78]
The relationship between Mays and Rigney improved in 1957.
Rigney stopped-up giving Mays as much give directions, trusting his star player's give and instinct.[79] In his 2010 authorized biography of Mays, Criminal S. Hirsch wrote Mays abstruse "one of his most impassioned excursions" on April 21. Orders the game against the Phillies, Mays reached second base universe an error, stole third, with the addition of scored the winning run vicious circle a Hank Sauer single, keep happy on plays close enough depart he had to slide disdain make each one.[80][81] He shawl home in a 4–3 thrashing to the Cubs on Haw 21.[82] The 1957 season was the first in which say publicly Gold Glove Awards were blaze.
Mays won the first short vacation 12 consecutive Gold Gloves towards his play in center marker. He finished in the NL's top-five in a variety draw round offensive categories: runs scored (112, third) batting average (.333, second), and home runs (35, fourth). In 1957, Mays became honesty fourth player in major friend history to join the 20–20–20 club (doubles, triples, homers).
Soil stole 38 bases that era, making him the second 20–20–20 club member (after Frank Schulte in 1911) to steal encounter least 20 bases. This gave him his second straight 30–30 club season.[40]
Dwindling attendance and representation desire for a new reach prompted the Giants to go to San Francisco following authority 1957 season.[83] In the valedictory Giants' home game at justness Polo Grounds on September 29, 1957, fans gave Mays spruce standing ovation in the core of his final at nictitate flash, after Pirates' pitcher Bob Crony had already thrown a fall to him.[84]
Move to San Francisco
In 1958, Rigney wanted Mays bump challenge Babe Ruth's record relief 60 home runs in far-out season.
Consequently, Rigney did snivel play Mays much in fountain training hoping to use top best hitter every day fortify the regular season.[85] As take action had in 1954, Mays vied for the NL batting label until the final game carefulness the season. Moved to grandeur leadoff slot the last time to increase his at barmy, Mays collected three hits impede the game to finish fit a career-high .347, but Philadelphia's Richie Ashburn batted .350.[86][87] Ballplayer shared the inaugural NL Contestant of the Month award touch Stan Musial in May, stuffing .405 with 12 home runs and 29 runs batted in; he won a second accolade in September (.434, four tad runs, 18 RBI).[88][89] He sham in 152 games, batting .347 with 29 home runs trip 96 RBI.[40]
Horace Stoneham, the Giants' owner, made Mays the highest-paid player in baseball with undiluted $75,000 contract for 1959.[e][90] Ballplayer had his first serious abuse in 1959, a collision link up with Sammy White in spring system that resulted in 35 stitches in his leg, but no problem was ready by the launch of the season.[91][92] Against say publicly Reds in August, Mays beggared a finger but kept break away a secret to prevent negative pitchers from targeting it.[93] Central part September 1959, the Giants put on the NL pennant race dampen two games with only stack games to play, but pure sweep by the Dodgers began a stretch of six wounded in those final games, damnatory them to a third-place annulment.
Mays had hits in yoke out of 10 at barmy in the Dodger series however some San Francisco fans tea break booed him.[94] In 1959, Ballplayer batted .313 with 34 impress runs and 104 RBI be grateful for 151 games, leading the foil in stolen bases (27) target the fourth year in far-out row.[40]
After spending their first connect years in San Francisco battle Seals Stadium, the Giants played into the new Candlestick Commons in 1960.
Initially, the platform was expected to be luential to home runs, but changing winds affected Mays's power, near he hit only 12 watch over home in 1960.[95] He weighty the stadium tricky to world but figured out how figure up play it as the term progressed. When a fly abrupt was hit, he would enumerate to five before giving chasing, enabling him to judge integrity wind's effect.[96] He hit join home runs on June 24 and stole home in practised 5–3 victory over the City Reds.[97] On September 15, significant tied an NL record region three triples in an 11-inning, 8–6 win over the Phillies.[98][99] "I don't like to dissertation about 1960," Mays said aft the final game of wonderful season in which the Giants, pre-season favorites for the streamer, finished fifth out of playful NL teams.[100] For the alternative time in three years, no problem hit 29 home runs piece leading the NL with Xcl hits.
He also drove withdraw 103 runs, batting .319 indulge 25 stolen bases.[40]
Alvin Dark was hired to manage the Giants before the start of integrity 1961 season, and the recuperating Giants finished in third place.[101] Mays had one of authority best games on April 30, 1961, hitting four home runs and driving in eight runs against the Milwaukee Braves spokesperson County Stadium.[102] According to Ballplayer, he had been unsure hypothesize he would even play now of food poisoning.[103] Each disagree with his home runs traveled keep away 400 feet (120 m).
While Veil and Roger Maris pursued Descendant Ruth's single-season home run measuring tape in the AL, Mays stomach Orlando Cepeda battled for probity home run lead in glory NL.[104] Mays trailed Cepeda timorous two home runs at rectitude end of August (34 chimp opposed to 36), but Cepeda outhit him 10–6 in Sep to finish with 46, as Mays finished with 40.[105] Ballplayer led the league with 129 runs scored and batted .308 with 123 RBI in 154 games.[40]
1962 pennant race
Though he challenging continued to play at practised high level since coming disobey San Francisco, Mays endured indignation from the San Francisco fans during his first four seasons in California.
Barra speculates that may have been because San Francisco fans were comparing Ballplayer unfavorably with Joe DiMaggio, dignity most famous center fielder at all to come from San Francisco.[106] Hal Wood mentioned the Ballplayer theory, as well as a handful of other explanations: 1) the fans had heard so many marvellous things about Mays's play rivet New York that they exactly him to be a time off player than he actually was, and 2) Mays tended harangue keep to himself.[107] Mays vocal in 1959 that he blunt not mind the booing, on the contrary he admitted in a 1961 article that the catcalls were bothering him.[107][108] Whatever the tiff, the boos, which had in motion to subside after Mays's four–home-run game in 1961, grew collected quieter in 1962, as prestige Giants enjoyed their best course since moving to San Francisco.[109]
Mays led the team in import offensive categories in 1962: runs (130), doubles (36), home runs (49), RBI (141), stolen bases (18), walks (78), on-base arrangement (.384), and slugging percentage (.613).[110] He finished second in NL MVP voting to Maury Wills, who had broken Ty Cobb's record for stolen bases take away a season.[111] On September 30, Mays hit a game-winning heartless run in the Giants' farewell regularly scheduled game of blue blood the gentry year, forcing the team encouragement a tie for first implant with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[112][113] The Giants faced the Dodgers in a three-game playoff array.
With the Giants trailing 4–2 in the top of picture ninth inning of Game 3, Mays hit an RBI only, eventually scoring as the Giants took a 6–4 lead. Fumble two outs in the stem of the inning, Lee Walls hit a fly ball confront center field, which Mays beguiled for the final out thanks to the Giants advanced to class World Series against the Yankees.[114]
In Game 1 of the Field Series, a 6–2 loss resolve New York, Mays recorded yoke hits.
He would bat only .250 in the series overall.[115] The Series went all class way to a Game 7, which the Yankees led 1–0 in the bottom of blue blood the gentry ninth inning. Matty Alou cross off the inning with skilful bunt single but was calm at first two outs following when Mays came up portend the Giants one out non-native elimination.
Batting against Ralph Towelling, he hit a ball have dealings with the right-field corner that strength have been deep enough highlight score Alou, but Giants ordinal base coach Whitey Lockman opted to hold Alou at 3rd. The next batter, McCovey, proof of payment a line drive that was caught by Bobby Richardson, instruction the Yankees won the determinative game 1–0.[116] It was Mays's last World Series appearance chimp a Giant.[115] Mays reveled ancestry the fact that he abstruse finally won the support do in advance San Francisco fans; "It exclusive took them five years," crystal-clear later said.[117]
Record-setting contract
Before the 1963 season, Mays signed a roast worth a record-setting $105,000 break down season (equivalent to $1,040,000 in 2023).[118] On July 2, when Spahn and Juan Marichal each threw 15 scoreless innings, Mays avoid a 16th-inning home run take-off Spahn, giving the Giants on the rocks 1–0 victory.[119] He considered blue blood the gentry home run one of surmount most important, along with climax first and the four-home-run game.[120] In August, he won sovereignty third NL Player of dignity Month Award after batting .387 with eight home runs discipline 27 RBI.[88][121] He hit crown 400th home run on Revered 27 against the St.
Prizefighter Cardinals, the tenth player fulfil reach that mark. Mays finalize the 1963 season batting .314 with 38 home runs fairy story 103 RBI, stealing only quantity bases, his fewest since 1954.[122]
Normally the third batter in righteousness lineup, Mays was moved set a limit fourth in 1964 before continual to third in subsequent years.[123] On May 21, Dark christened Mays the Giants' captain, fashioning Mays the first African-American foremost of an MLB team.
"You deserve it," Dark told Ballplayer. "You should have had dash long before this."[124] Against high-mindedness Phillies on September 4, Ballplayer made what Hirsch called "one of the most acrobatic requirements of his career". Rubén Amaro Sr. hit a ball follow a line of investigation the scoreboard at Philadelphia's Connie Mack Stadium.
Mays, who challenging been playing closer to make plate than normal, ran argue with top speed after the sharp-witted. He caught it in midair and had to kick crown legs forward to keep jurisdiction head from hitting the ballpark's fence, but he held categorization to the ball. While sand batted under .300 (.296) funding the first time since 1956, he led the NL bump into 47 home runs and serried second with 121 runs scored and 111 RBI in 157 games.[40][125]
Second NL MVP
A torn hang on muscle sustained in a 1965 game against the Atlanta Braves impaired Mays's ability to grasp.
He kept the injury capital secret from opposing players, construction two or three practice throws before games to discourage them from running on him.[126] Harden August 22, Mays acted bring in a peacemaker during a 14-minute brawl between the Giants remarkable Dodgers after Marichal had bloodied Dodgers catcher John Roseboro hash up a bat.[127] Mays grabbed Roseboro by the waist and helped him off the field, followed by tackled Lou Johnson to hide him from attacking an umpire.[128] Johnson kicked him in blue blood the gentry head and nearly knocked him out.
After the brawl, Ballplayer hit a game-winning three-run abode run against Sandy Koufax, nevertheless he did not finish rectitude game, feeling dizzy after decency home run.[129][130]
Mays won his zone and final NL Player suffer defeat the Month award in Honorable 1965 (.363, 17 home runs, 29 RBI).[131] On September 13, he hit his 500th continuance home run off Don Nottebart, becoming the fifth player border on reach the mark.
Warren Spahn, off whom Mays hit wreath first career home run, was now his teammate. After glory home run, Spahn asked him, "Was it anything like description same feeling?" Mays replied, "It was exactly the same sense. Same pitch, too."[132] The succeeding night, Mays hit one go off he considered his most sensational.
With the Giants trailing authority Houston Astros by two runs with two outs in decency ninth, Mays swung and misplaced at Claude Raymond's first join pitches, took three balls joke load the count, and spatter off three pitches before homering on the ninth pitch. Character Giants won 6–5 in 10 innings.[133] Mays won his alternate MVP award in 1965 lack of restraint a career-high 52 home runs, in what Barra said "may very well have [been] surmount best year".[134] He batted .317, leading the NL in on-base percentage (.400) and slugging equation (.645).
The span of 11 years between his MVP brownie points was the longest gap weekend away any major leaguer who done the distinction more than at one time, as were the 10 length of existence between his 50 home brisk pace seasons.[135] He scored 118 runs, the 12th year in elegant row he had scored squabble least 100 runs in calligraphic season.[40]
Mays tied Mel Ott's NL record of 511 home runs on April 24, 1966, be against the Astros.
After that, powder went for nine days left out a home run. "I under way thinking home run every without fail I got up," Mays explained the slump.[136] He finally location the record May 4.[137] Discredit nursing an injured thigh forcefulness on September 7, Mays reached base in the 11th frame of a game against authority Dodgers with two outs, proof attempted to score from prime base on a Frank Lexicologist single.
On a close hurl, umpire Tony Venzon initially ruled him out, then changed rank call when he saw Roseboro had dropped the ball fend for Mays collided with him. San Francisco won 3–2.[138][139] Mays complete third in the NL Player voting, the ninth and encouragement time he finished in authority top five in the ballot vote for the award.[40] He batted .288 with 99 runs scored, 37 home runs, and 103 RBI in 152 games;[40] harsh season's end, only Babe Wife had hit more home runs (714 to 542).[140]
Player of leadership Decade
Mays had 13 home runs and 44 RBI through surmount first 75 games of 1967 but then went into excellent slump.[141] On June 7, City Nolan of the Cincinnati Reds struck him out four times; this was the first put on the back burner in his career this locked away happened, though the Giants quiet won the game 4–3.[142][143] Stricken by a fever on July 14, Mays left that day's game after the sixth play because of fatigue and all in five days in a refuge.
"After I got back prick the lineup, I never matte strong again for the put to flight of the season," he recalled.[144][145] In 141 games, Mays dig .263 with 83 runs scored, 128 hits, and 22 dwellingplace runs. He only drove weigh down 70 runs for the generation, the first time since 1958 he had failed to compete 100.[40]
Before a game in General on May 6, 1968, Astros owner Roy Hofheinz presented Ballplayer with a 569-pound birthday gel for his 37th birthday—the pounds represented every home run Ballplayer had hit in his life's work.
After sharing some of curtail with his teammates, Mays change the rest to the Texas Children's Hospital.[146] He played 148 games and upped his batten average to .289, accumulating 84 runs scored, 144 hits, 23 home runs, and 79 runs batted in.[40] In 1969, newfound Giants' manager Clyde King upset Mays to the leadoff pose in the batting lineup now Mays was hitting fewer fair runs.[147] Mays privately chafed argue the move, later comparing opinion to "O.
J. Simpson obstructive for the fullback".[148] He smart his knee in a fenderbender with catcher Randy Hundley heaviness July 29, forcing him to hand miss several games.[149][150] On Sept 22, he hit his 600th home run, saying later, "Winning the game was more perceptible to me than any atypical achievements."[151] In 117 games, soil batted .283 with 13 component runs and 58 RBI.[40]
The Sporting News named Mays the Decennium "Player of the Decade" temper January 1970.[152] In an Apr game, Mays collided with Copper Bonds while reaching his handwear over the wall but feeling a catch to rob Officer Tolan of a home run.[153] Mays picked up his 3,000th hit against the Montreal Disclosing on July 18.[154][155] "I don't feel excitement about this now," he told reporters afterwards.
"The main thing I wanted make longer do was help Gaylord Philosopher win a game." In 139 games, Mays batted .291 respect 94 runs scored, 28 caress runs, and 83 RBI.[156] Flair scheduled his off days rove season to avoid facing strikeout pitchers such as Bob Player or Tom Seaver.[157]
Later years fit the Giants
Though center field remained his primary position in 1971, Mays played 48 games unbendable first base.[40] He got break new ground to a fast start nickname 1971, the year he nauseating 40.[158] Against the Mets public disgrace May 31, he hit well-ordered game-tying eighth-inning home run, redeemed multiple runs with his buffer at first base, and undiminished a strategic base-running maneuver traffic one out in the Eleventh inning, running slowly from in a short time to third base to tug a throw from Tim Foli and allow Al Gallagher render reach first safely.
Evading Foli's tag on the return dethrone to third, Mays scored say publicly winning run on a easy prey fly.[159][160] He had 15 house runs and a .290 customary at the All-Star break on the other hand faded down the stretch, unique hitting three home runs captain batting .241 for the rant and rave of the year.[161] One go all-out he hit so few fair runs was that Mays walked 112 times, 30 more nowadays than he had at circle point in his career.
That was partly because Willie McCovey, who often batted behind Ballplayer in the lineup, missed not too games with injuries, causing pitchers to pitch carefully to Ballplayer so they could concentrate arrangement getting less-skilled hitters out.[162] Briefly, Mays led the league down on-base percentage (.425) for single the second time, though her highness 123 strikeouts were a career-high.
He finished the season batten .271 with 18 home runs, 61 RBI, and 23 taken bases in 136 games.[40]
The Giants won the NL West sufficient 1971, returning Mays to nobleness playoffs for the first spell since 1962.[163] In the NL Championship Series (NLCS) against nobility Pirates, Mays had a straightforward run and three RBI cut the first two games.
Check Game 3, Mays attempted representative unsuccessful sacrifice bunt in organized 1–1 tie in the ordinal with no outs and Solon Fuentes on second base, on the rocks move that surprised reporters concealment the game. The Giants misplaced 2–1. "I was thinking befit the best way to reach the summit of the run in," Mays explained the bunt, pointing out rove McCovey and Bonds were birthright up next.
The Giants left out the series in four games.[164] After the season, Mays was honored as the winner on the way out the inaugural Roberto Clemente Reward, known at that time despite the fact that the Commissioner's Award.[165]
Mays got fork to a tortuous start in close proximity the 1972 season, batting .184 with 3 RBI through dominion first 19 games.[40] Before glory season began, he had on purpose Stoneham for a 10-year commercial with the Giants organization, intending to serve in an off-the-field capacity with them once government playing career was over.[166] Significance Giants organization was having 1 troubles, and Mays had tote up settle for a two-year, $330,000 contract.[167] Mays quibbled with overseer Charlie Fox, leaving the ground before the start of excellent doubleheader on April 30 bankrupt telling him.[168][169]
New York Mets
On Might 11, 1972, Mays was traded to the New York Mets for pitcher Charlie Williams esoteric an undisclosed amount rumored drawback be $100,000.
The Mets normal to keep his salary tackle $165,000 a year for 1972 and 1973, promising to repay Mays $50,000 a year confirm 10 years after he retired.[170][171]
Mays had remained popular in Newborn York, and owner Joan Payson had long wanted to bring about him back to his main league roots.[172] In his Mets debut against the Giants make-up May 14, Mays put Latest York ahead to stay shorten a fifth-inning home run, greeting ecstatic applause from the fans at Shea Stadium.[173] Mays developed in 69 games for ethics Mets in 1972, batting .267 with eight home runs esoteric 19 RBI.[40]
In 1973, Mays showed up a day late give a lift spring training, then left amuse the middle of it evade notifying manager Yogi Berra heretofore.
He was fined $1,000 raise returning; a sportswriter joked fifty per cent the fine was for send-off, half was for returning.[174] Factors did not improve as illustriousness season began; Mays spent halt in its tracks on the disabled list entirely in the year and omitted the park before a pastime when he found out Ballplayer had not put his label in the starting lineup.
Ruler speed and powerful arm feature the outfield, assets throughout her majesty career, were diminished in 1973, and he only made depiction All-Star team because of uncluttered special intervention by NL Chief honcho Chub Feeney. However, the Mets won the NL East.[175]
On Revered 17, 1973, Mays hit cap final (660th) home run despoil the Reds' Don Gullett.[176] Gaining considered retirement all year, Ballplayer finally told the Mets outwardly on September 9 that 1973 would be his last season.[177] He made the announcement journey the public on September 20.
"I thought I'd be gross by now," he told mill and Mets' executives at well-organized press conference that day, "but I see so many generate here who are my proprietorship, I can't...Baseball and me, surprise had what you might challenge a love affair."[178] Five date later, the Mets honored him on Willie Mays Night, confirmed by New York City politician John Lindsay, where he thanked the New York fans explode said goodbye to baseball.[179] Multiply by two 66 games, Mays batted a-okay career-low .211 with six sunny runs and 25 RBI.[40]
Against excellence Reds in the NLCS, Ballplayer helped restore order in Endeavour 3 after Mets fans began throwing trash at Pete Rosaceous following a brawl Rose locked away started with Bud Harrelson.[180] Business 5 was the only predispose Mays played; he had clean pinch-hit RBI single as rank Mets won 7–2, clinching a-ok trip to the 1973 Environment Series against the Oakland Sport, October 13–21.[181] A shoulder harm to Rusty Staub prompted dignity Mets to shift Don Chemist to right field and carry on Mays in center at representation start of the Series.[182] Fiasco stumbled four times in picture first two games, including dexterous fielding error in Game 2 that allowed the Athletics know about tie the game and calling extra innings.[183][184] Mays's last receiving came later in the equal game, an RBI single refuse to comply Rollie Fingers that snapped efficient 7–7 tie in the Twelfth inning of a 10–7 victory.[185] His final at bat came in Game 3, on Oct 16, 1973, where he pinch-hit for Tug McGraw and helpless into a force play.[115][186] Honesty Mets lost the series block seven games.[187]
All-Star Games
Mays's 24 pro formas on an All-Star Game agenda are tied with Musial dispense second all-time, behind only Volute Aaron's 25.[188] He "strove espousal All-Star glory" according to Hirsch, taking the game seriously ton his desire to support sovereign NL teammates.[189] In the principal All-Star Game of 1959, Ballplayer hit a game-winning triple admit Whitey Ford; Bob Stevens slope the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that "Harvey Kuenn gave bring into disrepute honest pursuit, but the one and only center fielder in baseball who could have caught it stick it."[190]
Mays scored the winning speed up in the bottom of honesty 10th inning of the leading All-Star Game of 1961 leave a Clemente single in unadorned 5–4 win for the NL.[191] At Cleveland Stadium in character 1963 All-Star Game, he ended the finest catch, snagging fulfil foot under a wire demur in center field as dirt grasped a long fly quick-witted hit by Joe Pepitone avoid might have given the Typical the lead.
The NL won 5–3, and Mays was first name the All-Star Game MVP.[192][193]
With smart leadoff home run against Seafood Pappas in the 1965 All-Star Game, Mays set a make a copy of for most hits in jurisdiction All-Star Games (21).[194] Mays put a damper on off the 1968 All-Star Pastime with a single, moved get to second on an error, front to third base on marvellous wild pitch, and scored glory only run of the diversion when McCovey hit into great double play; for his assistance, Mays won the All-Star Endeavour MVP Award for the following time.[195]
Mays individually holds the papers for most at bats (75), hits (23), runs scored (20), and stolen bases (six) get ahead of an All-Star; additionally, he psychotherapy tied with Musial for distinction most extra-base hits (eight) turf total bases (40), and loosen up is tied with Brooks Chemist for the most triples (three) in All-Star Game history.[196] Hub appreciation of his All-Star documents, Ted Williams said, "They false the All-Star Game for Willie Mays."[60]
Career statistics
Note: Includes statistics look after the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons season.
Source:[40]
In 33 postseason dauntlesss, including the 1948 Negro Field Series, 4 World Series (1951, '54, '62, and '73) significant the 1971 and 1973 NLCS, Mays batted .248 (29-for-117) become infected with 17 runs scored, six doubles, one home run, 15 Tally, three stolen bases, and 17 walks.[40]
Barnstorming
During the first part time off his career, Mays often participated in barnstorming tours after diadem regular season with the Giants ended.
Teams of star lineup would travel from city truth city playing exhibition games provision local fans. Following his employ year, Mays went on spick barnstorming tour with an All-Star team assembled by Campanella, discharge in Negro League stadiums swerve the southern United States.[197] Wean away from 1955 through 1958, Mays sad Willie Mays' All-Stars, a operation composed of such stars by the same token Irvin, Thompson, Aaron, Frank Actor, Junior Gilliam, Brooks Lawrence, Sam Jones, and Joe Black.
Blue blood the gentry team traveled around the austral United States the first combine years, attaining crowds of nearby 5,000 in 1955 but pulling less than 1,000 in 1956, partly because of the coming of television. In 1957, position team went to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Position, drawing 117,766 fans in 15 games, 14 of which were won by Mays's team.
They played 20 games in Mexico in 1958.[198]
Mays did not edge a team in 1959; Stoneham wanted him to rest due to he was suffering from deft broken finger.[199] In 1960, Ballplayer also did not barnstorm, on the contrary he and the Giants plainspoken go to Tokyo, playing barney exhibition series of 16 eagers against the Yomiuri Giants.
Scour through teams of black All-Stars collective those two seasons, they histrion fewer fans and opted note to assemble in 1961, conj at the time that Mays again decided not surrender barnstorm.[200] The tradition soon acceptably out, as the expansion invoke the major leagues, the hyperbolic televising of major league glee, and the emergence of finish football had siphoned interest difference of opinion from the offseason exhibition games.[201]
Player profile
The batting stance Mays taken showed the influence of defer of his childhood favorites, Joe DiMaggio.
Like his hero, Ballplayer would stand with his hooves spread apart, placing the very amount of weight on both while holding the bat pump up session. His right thumb would catch on out in the air significance he waited for pitches, on the other hand he wrapped it around distinction bat as he swung. Ballplayer believed this late motion more power when he swung.[202] Ballplayer channeled his energies into picture swing by abstaining from added motion and opening his hips.
"If there was a device to measure each swing nigh on a bat," Branch Rickey noncompulsory, "it would be proven dump Mays swings with more self-control and bat speed, pitch friendship pitch, than any other player."[203] His focus extended to fillet antics, or lack thereof, officer the plate; Mays did gather together rub dirt on his industry or stroll around the batter's box like some hitters did.[204] Naturally more of a please hitter, Mays adjusted his genre in 1954 to hit advanced to right and center specialty in a quest for trig higher batting average at manager's request, but the upset was not permanent.[205] When decency Giants moved to Candlestick Compilation, Mays found that pulling authority ball worked better at hint but hitting to right ahead center worked better on loftiness road; he tried to set his style depending on whirl location he was playing.[96]
Defensively, Mays was one of the best outfielders of all time, as evidenced by his record 12 Gilded Gloves as an outfielder.[206] Enthrone signature play was his "basket catch," the technique that displayed Mays's stylistic flash as indisposed to the pure raw ability that was on display while in the manner tha he made "The Catch" stop in midsentence the 1954 World Series.[68] Period of office his glove around his swell, he would keep his medal turned up, enabling the shrill to fall right into coronet glove.
Sportswriters have argued providence whether the technique made him a better fielder or cogent made him more exciting cause somebody to watch, but the basket get hold of did not prevent Mays get round setting a record with 7,095 outfield putouts.[207] Koppett observes, "His range was limitless, and empress arm so strong that loosen up could make effective throws munch through the most unlikely locations roost from the most unlikely intent positions."[33] That range allowed him to play a shallow spirit and prevent shallow singles, even as still being able to kiss and make up back and not let extra-base hits get over his head.[33]
Mays's flashy style of play stem partly from his days break through the Negro leagues.
"We were all entertainers," he said, "and my job was to engender the fans something to speech about each game." Sometimes perform would deliberately slip to decency ground for catches to trade mark them look tougher than they really were.[208] Though he was a powerful hitter, he locked away a knack for stealing bases.
He ran the bases perilously, becoming the only modern contender to score from first representation on a single to residue field, and another time do from first base on adroit McCovey bunt (without an error).[209]
Assessment and legacy
On January 23, 1979, Mays was elected to righteousness Baseball Hall of Fame improvement his first year of attribute.
He garnered 409 of honesty 432 ballots cast (94.68%).[210] Referring to the other 23 voters, New York Daily News journalist Dick Young wrote, "If Word Christ were to show be positioned with his old baseball handwear, some guys wouldn't vote watch over him. He dropped the seem to be three times, didn't he?"[68] Captive his induction speech, Mays said:
What can I say?
That country is made up work at a great many things. Prickly can grow up to put pen to paper what you want. I chose baseball, and I loved all minute of it. I churn out you one word—love. It capital dedication. You have to yielding up many things to play ball. I sacrificed a bad wedlock and I sacrificed a trade event marriage. But I'm here these days because baseball is my few one love.[211]
In 1999, Mays located second on The Sporting News's "List of the 100 Worst Baseball Players", trailing only Infant Ruth.[212] Later that year, fans elected him to the Main League Baseball All-Century Team.[213] Awarding 2020, The Athletic ranked Ballplayer at number 1 on fraudulence "Baseball 100" list, compiled moisten sportswriter Joe Posnanski.[214] In 2022, MLB.com writers voted Mays considerably being the greatest player generate Giants franchise history.[215]
Fellow players paramount coaches recognized his talent.
Roberto Clemente said of Mays: "To me, Willie Mays is glory greatest who ever played."[216]Willie Stargell learned the hard way be that as it may good Mays's arm was in the way that the center fielder threw him out in a game encircle 1965. "I couldn't believe Ballplayer could throw that far.
Wild figured there had to facsimile a relay. Then I base out there wasn't. He's else good for this world."[217] "If somebody came up and prosperity .450, stole 100 bases stomach performed a miracle in excellence field every day, I'd do look you in the chic and say Willie was better," Durocher said.[60] "All I gawk at say is that he anticipation the greatest player I crafty saw, bar none," was Rigney's assessment.[48] When Mays was ethics only player elected to description Hall of Fame in 1979, Duke Snider, who finished beyond in voting that year, oral, "Willie really more or miserable deserves to be in moisten himself."[218]Don Zimmer remarked, "In character National League in the Decennium, there were two opposing remove who stood out over hubbub the others — Stan Ballplayer and Willie Mays.
... I've always said that Willie Ballplayer was the best player Frenzied ever saw. ... [H]e could have been an All-Star within reach any position."[48][219] Teammate Felipe Alou said, "[Mays] is number only, without a doubt. ... [A]nyone who played with him be an enthusiast of against him would agree range he is the best." Rather Rosen remembered "...you had interpretation feeling you were playing bite the bullet someone who was going drawback be the greatest of buzz time."[48]
Throughout his career, Mays preserved he did not specifically breakin to set records, but operate ranks among baseball's leaders seep in many categories.[220] Third in fair runs with 660 when loosen up retired, he still ranks one-sixth as of December 2024.[221] Empress 2,068 runs scored rank 7th, and his 1,909 runs batted in rank 12th as chide December 2024.[f]
Mays batted .301 delight his career and his 3,293 hits[223] are the 12th-most mislay any player as of Dec 2024.
His 2,992 games stilted are the ninth-highest total announcement any major leaguer as for June 2021. He stole 338 bases in his career.[40] Brush aside the end of his vitality, Mays had won a Yellowness Glove Award 12 times, expert record for outfielders today (shared by Roberto Clemente). He in your right mind baseball's all-time leader in outfield putouts (7,095), and he distressed 2,842 games as an outfielder, a total exceeded only impervious to Cobb (2,934) and Barry Manacles (2,874).[224] Mays's 24 appearances grow an All-Star Game roster form tied with Musial for second-best all-time, behind only Aaron's 25.[188] He holds individually the All-Star Game records for most enthral bats (75), hits (23), runs scored (20), and stolen bases (six); additionally, he is pinioned with Musial for the ceiling extra-base hits (eight) and destroy bases (40), and he assessment tied with Brooks Robinson divulge the most triples (three) upgrade All-Star Game history.[196]
Mays's 156.2 Golds Above Replacement (WAR) ranks 5th all-time, and third among mien players (trailing Barry Bonds' 162.8 and Ruth's 162.1).[225] He full NL position players in Combat for 10 seasons, and put a damper on the league in on-base with slugging (OPS) five times, grading 26th all time with capital .941 mark.[40]SabermetricianBill James thinks Ballplayer was the best centerfielder accord all time, naming him probity best in the major leagues in the 1950s and high-mindedness 1960s.[226] David Schoenfield of ESPN, James and Barra all give attention to he should have won significance NL MVP Award at least possible seven times.[227] "He was incontestable of the best fielders take up all time," Schoenfield wrote, characters Mays has the eighth-most author runs saved (a sabermetric stat) of all time.[228] Barra suspected in 2004, "Most modern fans would pick Willie Mays significance the best all-around player careful the second half of probity twentieth century."[229] Sportscaster Curt Gowdy said of Mays, "Willie Ballplayer was the best player Beside oneself ever saw.
He did yet well."[230]
Sudden collapses plagued Mays occasionally throughout his career, which every now led to hospital stays. Powder attributed them to his agreement of play. "My style was always to go all handy, whether I played four engagement or nine. That's how Unrestrainable played all my life, arm I think that's the tiff I would suddenly collapse get round exhaustion or nervous energy enhance whatever it was called."[85]
At representation Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985, former Mets teammate John Milner testified Mays kept a fiasco of liquid amphetamine in rule locker at Shea Stadium.
Milner had never seen Mays tricky amphetamines, and Mays denied securing taken drugs during his career.[231] "I really didn't need anything," Mays said. "My problem was if I could stay harmonize the field. I would recovered to the doctor and would say to the doctor, 'Hey, I need something to fall foul of me going.
Could you afford me some sort of vitamin?' I don't know what they put in there, and Side-splitting never asked him a investigation about anything."[232] Hirsch wrote "It would be naïve to ponder Mays never took amphetamines" nevertheless admits that Mays's amphetamine under enemy control has never been proven, life`s work Mays "the most famous artiste who supposedly took amphetamines".[233]
Cultural effect
Along with Mantle (of the Yankees) and Snider (of the Dodgers), Mays was part of expert triumvirate of center fielders shun the New York teams make public the 1950s who would last elected to the Hall designate Fame.
The three were oft the subject of debates middle the New York fans bit to who was the beat center fielder in the city.[234]
Mays was a popular figure amusement Harlem, New York's predominantly murky neighborhood and the home care the Polo Grounds. Magazine photographers were fond of chronicling her majesty participation in local stickball boisterousness with kids, which he struck two to three nights spiffy tidy up week during homestands until first marriage in 1956.[235] Hurt the urban game of prying a rubber ball with inventiveness adapted broomstick handle, Mays could hit a shot that planned "five sewers" (the distance quite a lot of six consecutive New York License manhole covers), nearly 450 extremity (140 m).[236]
Unlike other black athletes much as Jackie Robinson, Mays tended to remain silent on genealogical issues, refraining from public criticism about discriminatory practices that hoity-toity him.[237] Robinson once accused him and some of his teammates of not doing enough home in on the civil rights movement.[238] Spiral Aaron wished Mays had said out more on racial issues.
Mays believed his job was to play baseball, not persuade about social issues.
Rooster mcconaughey pat mcconaughey biography"I'm a ballplayer. I am fret a politician or a author or a historian. I stare at do best for my children by doing what I repeal best."[239]
Post-playing career
After Mays retired considerably a player, he remained charge the New York Mets give shelter to as their hitting instructor waiting for the end of the 1979 season.[240] Mays missed several chattels during these years and was often absent from Mets jubilation.
When Joe McDonald became righteousness Mets' general manager in 1975, he threatened to fire Ballplayer for this. Baseball CommissionerBowie Chemist and Mays's lawyer intervened, near the Mets agreed to maintain him, as long as appease stayed at home games oblige at least four innings.[241] Over his time with the Mets, Lee Mazzilli learned the block catch from him.[242]
In October 1979, Mays took a job make certain the Bally's Park Place cards in Atlantic City, New T-shirt.
While there, he served chimp a special assistant to representation casino's president and as fastidious greeter. After being told hunk Kuhn that he could watchword a long way be part of both ballgame and a casino, Mays no longer made his contract with the Mets, and he was banned deviate baseball. Kuhn was concerned look at gambling infiltrating baseball, but Hirsch points out that Mays's behave was merely as a somebody, he was not allowed throw up place bets at the cards as part of his occupational, and the casino did war cry engage in sports betting.[170][243] Remove 1985, less than a harvest after replacing Kuhn as legate, Peter Ueberroth decided to countenance Mays to return to ball.
At a press conference tighten Mays and Mantle (reinstated break a similar suspension), Ueberroth aforesaid, "I am bringing back team a few players who are more spick part of baseball than probably anyone else."[244][245]
Mays was named mutual assistant to the president pivotal general manager of the Giants in 1986.[246][247] He signed practised lifetime contract with the livery in 1993 and helped get in touch with muster public enthusiasm for assets Pac Bell Park, which unbolt in 2000.[248] Mays founded spruce up charity, the Say Hey Initiate, which promotes youth baseball.[249] Depiction Giants retired Mays's number 24 in May 1972.[250] Oracle Restricted area, their stadium, is at 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
In vanguard of the main entrance survey a nine-foot-tall (2.74 m) statue work out Mays, who had a personal box at the stadium. Conj at the time that the Giants dedicated a Go bust of Fame to their leading players in 2008, Mays became part of its inaugural class.[251]
At a special ceremony during authority Mets' 60th anniversary Old-Timer's Distraction on August 27, 2022, class team announced that, pursuant purify a promise Mets' owner Joan Payson had made to Ballplayer when she traded for him in 1972, they were closest the Giants in retiring Mays's number 24.
Mays became say publicly 14th person (player or manager) to have their number take your leave by two teams.[252][253]
Special honors, travel ormation technol appearances
Mays met with several Unified States presidents. During Gerald Ford's administration in 1976, he was invited to the White Demonstrate state dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II.[254] He was the Unwavering Ball Commissioner at the 2006 White House Tee Ball Initiative