Willie Mays, nicknamed the Say Hey Kid, is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history and the ultimate five-tool player.
Born May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. Started in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons at age 16. Joined the New York Giants in 1951 and won NL Rookie of the Year.
Famous for "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series—an over-the-shoulder running grab at the Polo Grounds. Hall of Fame 1979 (first ballot, 94.7%). Presidential Medal of Freedom 2015. Passed away June 18, 2024, at age 93.