Willie Mays: Say Hey Kid and Baseball Hall of Famer Dies at 93

Willie Mays was an American baseball center fielder, nicknamed the "Say Hey Kid," and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Born Willie Howard Mays Jr. on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, he began his career in the Negro Leagues before starring for the New York and San Francisco Giants.

Mays was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1951 and the National League MVP in 1954, the year he made "The Catch" in the World Series. He won 12 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1957 to 1968, a record for outfielders, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 in his first year of eligibility. He retired with 660 home runs.

Mays married Marghuerite Chapman in 1956, and they adopted a son, Michael. He died in Palo Alto, California, on June 18, 2024, at age 93, two days before the Giants played a tribute game to him at Rickwood Field. Remembered for his joyful style, his glove and his power, he was a hero to millions.

Achievements: National League Rookie of the Year (1951), National League MVP and World Series champion (1954), won 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1957-1968), elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame (1979).

Birth: May 6, 1931 - Westfield, Alabama.

Profession: Professional baseball center fielder.

Interesting Facts: He made "The Catch," an over-the-shoulder grab, in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. In 1968, the owner of the Houston Astros gave him a 569-pound birthday cake, one pound for each of his career home runs at the time.