The San Francisco Giants have announced the passing of Willie Mays, a legendary player and member of the Major League Hall of Fame, at the age of 93. Mays enjoyed a 23-season career in the Major Leagues, earning the reputation as the “perfect baseball player” due to his impressive skillset.
Mays began his career with the New York Giants in 1950, hitting 20 home runs in his rookie season and being elected Rookie of the Year. After serving in the Korean War, he returned to the team in 1954 and won his first MVP award.
In 1954, the Giants moved to San Francisco and Mays helped the team defeat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. He went on to play for the New York Mets from 1972 to 1973 before retiring.
In his illustrious career, Mays achieved a.301 batting average, with 660 home runs, 1,909 RBIs, and 339 stolen bases. MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred praised Mays, stating, “All of Major League Baseball is in mourning. His incredible achievements and statistics do not begin to describe the admiration that seeing Willie Mays provoked.”
Mays was a dominant force on the field, earning 12 Gold Gloves for his exceptional defense in center field. He also won the Most Valuable Player award in 1954 and 1965, and accumulated the sixth most home runs in Major League history.
Mays is perhaps most famous for his spectacular defensive play in the 1954 World Series, when he caught Vic Wertz’s drive over his shoulder in the eighth inning of the first game against the Cleveland Indians. He was later named the World Series Most Valuable Player in 2017.
The ‘Trapped’
Mays’ incredible defensive play in the 1954 World Series, known as “The Catch,” remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.