Full Name : Willie Howard Mays, Jr.
Born : May 6, 1931
Hometown : Westfield, Alabama outside Birmingham
Height : 5' 11
Weight : 170 lbs
Bats : Right
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : May 25, 1951 for the New York Giants
Family : wife, Margherite Wendell Chapman (14 February 1956 - 1961) (divorced) 1 child, Mae Louise Allen (27 November 1971 - present)
Primary Position : CF (Center fielder)
There are several aspects in the game of baseball that certain players have mastered. However, only a select few players can have an impact on each of these aspects by utilizing a wide range of skills. Willie Mays has definitely fit the description as a five-tool superstar.
Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Mays realized that his talent as an athlete would help him in leaving the laborious scene at the steel mill. Throughout his youth, Willie developed a passion for the game of baseball, as was seen when he sat in the dugout during his father's games to get a firsthand feel for the atmosphere. At one point in his career, he had the opportunity of playing with his father in the Birmingham Industrial League. The two stood next to each other in the field, as Willie played in center while his father covered ground in left.
As far as his professional career, Willie began his stint in the pros in 1947 when he debuted with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos in Tennessee. He then went on to play in the Negro American Leagues, and it was here that he gained much exposure, as several major league scouts came to observe his play. In 1951 he made his first appearance with the New York Giants, and after going hitless in his first twelve at-bats, Mays blasted a homer over the left field fence. During that season, he finished off winning the Rookie of the Year honors despite struggling early on. Giants fans soon became entertained by his extraordinary arm and his smooth range in the outfield.
In what was a disappointment to Mays, the U.S. army decided to draft Willie, which caused him to miss much of the 1952 season and all of 1953. However, to stay in shape, Mays spent plenty of time practicing his baseball skills at Fort Eustis. He went on to return in 1954, and this season served as a milestone for the young athlete. Mays went on to win the batting title when he posted a .354 average, and the Giants went on to win the World Series by sweeping the Cleveland Indians. After the season, Mays would eventually be named the National League's Most Valuable Player.
The Giants moved their franchise to another location, and starting in 1957 the team was referred to as the San Francisco Giants. Willie's tenure with the organization was no doubt a key to the Giants success, and in 1963 and 1964 Mays scored at least 100 runs, drove in at least 100 RBI's, and hit a combined 85 homers during those two seasons. Aside from his skills as a five-tool athlete, Mays became very durable, appearing in at least 150 games for 13 consecutive years. He even went on to win his second MVP award in 1965, and his impact with the Giants organization became highly appreciated.
Unfortunately, the Giants were forced to trade Willie to the New York Mets in 1972 after suffering from a financial deficit. Ironically, Mays got the game-winning hit in his first appearance which happened to be against his former team. His stint with the Mets was short-lived, as Mays decided to throw in the towel in 1973. However, he did go on to serve as a coach for the Mets organization until 1979. It was during this same year that he was elected into the Hall of Fame. Baseball fans all over the world will no doubt remember the impact that Willie Mays had on the game of baseball.
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