Willie Howard Mays Jr., nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid,” is a former American professional baseball center fielder who played for the New York/San Francisco Giants for 22 seasons. The baseball veteran is a role model for many aspiring baseball players all around the world. The legend’s Major League Baseball career is truly unique and admirable.

Quick Facts

Willie Mays Biography

Willie Mays was born in Westfield, Alabama, a former predominantly black company town near Fairfield, in 1931. His father was Cat Mays, a fantastic baseball player for the local iron plant’s Negro team.

His mother, Annie Satterwhite, on the other hand, was a talented basketball player and track star in high school. His parents were never married and divorced when he was three. Mays was raised by his father, who worked in the steel mills. In 1950, Mays graduated from Fairfield Industrial High School.

Willie Mays Age, Height, Weight

Willie Mays was born on May 6, 1931, and is 91 years old as of 2023. His height is 1.8m, and he weighs 82 kg.

Career

Mays’ professional baseball career began in high school when he spent the summer with the Chattanooga ChooChoos in Tennessee. Later, he joined the Negro American League’s Birmingham Black Barons. In tenth grade, he caught the attention of Black Baron manager Piper Davis.

Davis taught Mays how to hit the curveball and gave him a chance to play for the Barons after a few years. Several scouts were sent out to check on Mays over the next few years. Many scouts wanted to sign Mays, but he chose the New York Giants, who signed him for $4,000.

Mays had a lot of success in the minor leagues. He performed admirably in all of his games, attracting the attention of a large number of people. However, he faced some difficulties; some of his career choices were influenced by his skin color, which was not ideal for a young athlete.

Mays’ major league career began on a sour note when he went hitless in his first 12 at-bats. He did, however, hit a scouring home run in his 13th at-bat. Fortunately, Mays began to become more consistent with his hits, which propelled him to stardom. Mays delivered the Giants their first series victory in 56 years. Mays retired from the New York Mets in 1973 after a successful 22-year career.

Willie Mays Achievements and Awards

Willie Mays was one of the best players of his generation, if not all time. The baseball legend has established a legacy that many aspiring players strive to emulate. Mays has received the following awards in recognition of his outstanding career:

Willie Mays’s Net Worth in 2023

Willie Mays is a fantastic baseball veteran who has had one of the best careers anyone could ever hope for. Mays persevered in the face of adversity as he strived to be the best baseball player he could be. As a result, Mays was well compensated during his career and had a comfortable life afterward. As of October 2023, the baseball legend has a net worth of $4 million.

Willie Mays is one of baseball’s greatest players and has one of the greatest success stories. Many aspiring young baseball players look up to Mays as a role model. His incredible legacy will be remembered forever.

Willie Mays Wife, Marriage

Willie Mays had two marriages in his life. In 1956, he married Marguerite Wendell Chapman for the first time. In 1959, the couple adopted a son named Michael. Unfortunately, they divorced in 1963, and his wife spent the majority of her time with their son. Mays married Mae Louise Allen in 1971 and they were married until Mae Louise Allen died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2013.

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