Date of Birth: May 6, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Biography
Willie Mays, born William Howard Mays Jr., is a retired American professional baseball player who is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Mays began his professional career in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons before making his Major League debut with the New York Giants in 1951. Over his 22-season career, Mays amassed 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and 1,903 runs batted in (RBIs). Known for his all-around excellence, Mays was an exceptional hitter, fielder, and base runner. He won two National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and was selected to 24 All-Star Games. Mays is perhaps best remembered for “The Catch,” his over-the-shoulder grab in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, which has become one of baseball’s iconic moments. After his playing days, Mays remained involved in the sport, serving as a mentor and ambassador for the game.
5 Interesting Facts about Willie Mays
1. Willie Mays is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1979.
2. He won 12 Gold Glove Awards, establishing himself as one of the greatest defensive outfielders in history.
3. Mays served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, missing most of the 1952 and 1953 seasons.
4. He was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Century Team in 1999.
5. Willie Mays is the godfather of another baseball legend, Barry Bonds.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willie Mays
1. “They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it.”
2. “It isn’t hard to be good from time to time in sports. What’s tough is being good every day.”
3. “I think I was the best baseball player I ever saw.”
4. “Baseball is a game, yes. It is also a business.”
5. “I played the game the only way I knew how, with everything I had.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Willie Mays has achieved a highest net worth of approximately $3 million.
Children
Willie Mays has one adopted son, Michael Mays.
Relevant Links
1. [Willie Mays Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mays
2. [Baseball Hall of Fame Profile](https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/mays-willie
3. [MLB Career Stats](https://www.mlb.com/player/willie-mays-118713
