Legends live on forever.
On Tuesday, Willie Mays, one of the greatest players ever, died at 93.
Mays played from 1948-73, dominating as a centerfielder and earning himself a one-way ticket to the Baseball Hall of Fame and overall sports royalty. With 24 All-Star selections and the No. 24 retired by the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, his selection was never a doubt.
Here are some facts for young fans about the late, great Mays.
1. Mays hit 660 home runs
One of the many highlights that surrounded Mays’ storied career was his power at the plate. In 10,924 at bats, Mays hit 660 home runs, which sits him sixth on the all-time home run ranks.
At his peak, he was a monster as in 1961, he hit four bombs in a game with legendary Hank Aaron in the opposing dugout. In 1966, he became the then-record holder for balls over the wall with 535, passing Jimmie Foxx.
Additionally, in 23 seasons, Mays had six seasons where he eclipsed 40 home runs, topping out at 52 in 1965 as a member of the San Franciso Giants.
2. Mays eclipsed the 3,000-hit mark
Only 33 batters have surpassed 3,000 hits and Mays being a member comes as no surprise.
With 3,293 hits, Mays is well over the mark that only six players have reached since 2010. Mays acquired his 3,000th hit with a single on July 18, 1970, as a Giant.
Though the memorable hit was just a single, Mays knew how to collect bags, too.
He led the NL in total bases three times and led in stolen bases four times. In 1956, Mays took 40 bags, whew.
3. Mays was nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid”
Say who, say where, say what, say hey, kid.
Mays earned to nickname after sportswriter Barney Kremenko heard him regularly say the aforementioned phrase in 1951.
Where Mays got it from is unclear, but nonetheless it’s a legendary nickname followed Mays throughout his life.
4. Mays is Barry Bonds’ Godfather
Meant to be, huh?
The Say Hey Kid is indeed the godfather of Barry, with Barry’s father, Bobby Bonds, being Mays’ teammate.
“Thank you for being my godfather and always being there,” Barry said via instagram Tuesday. “Give my dad a hug for me.”
Of course, Barry went on to become the MLB all-time leader in home runs, following right behind his godfather. What a pick from Barry’s parents.
5. Mays Won 12 Straight Gold Gloves
Talk about reliable. Mays wasn’t just an all-time great at the bat, he was also a maniac on defense.
With all of his 12 Gold Gloves coming from 1957-68, Mays asserted his dominance on the defensive end.
With 7,095 putouts, Mays has the all-time outfielders record and has an all-time fielding percentage of 98.1%. To add, Mays’ most famed catch is simply known as “The Catch” — an over-the-shoulder snag in the 1954 World Series.
BONUS INFO:
Mays played in the Negro Leagues, too
He represented the brothers, too. What can’t he do.
At just 17 years of age, Mays played for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League. Since he was still in high school, Mays was forced to only play home games so that he could continue to play high school football.
In lone season with the Black Barons, he played 13 games and hit for a .233 batting average while notching 17 put outs.
On Tuesday, Double-A’s Birmingham Barons hosted a game at Rickwood Field in tribute to the Negro Leagues. There, fans were notified of Mays’ death, and he was honored with a tribute video.
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