The Say Hey Kid — the greatest all-around baseball player ever, whose combination of hitting, power, speed and defence — topped by The Catch in 1954 — set an unmatched standard.
Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in Westfield, Alabama in 1931. New York Giants signed him and he debuted in 1951. His career produced 660 home runs, a .302 batting average and two NL MVP awards (1954, 1965). His over-the-shoulder catch at the 1954 World Series — sprinting to deep centre at the Polo Grounds to catch Vic Wertz's 450-foot drive — is considered the greatest defensive play in baseball history and is known simply as The Catch. He was a 20-time All-Star, won 12 Gold Gloves and led the NL in stolen bases four consecutive seasons. He won the World Series in 1954. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. He died in June 2024 aged 93. He is the complete baseball player — hitting average, power, speed and defence all at the highest level.
The Say Hey Kid, incredible all-around play, spectacular catches
How They Played
Five-tool player: hit for average and power, speed, fielding, arm strength
Lasting Impact
Greatest all-around player in baseball history, iconic center fielder
World Series Champion 1954
"The Catch" in the 1954 World Series — running with his back to the plate and catching over his shoulder at full sprint — is universally considered the greatest defensive play in baseball history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- World Series Champion 1954
- 2x NL MVP
- 12x Gold Glove
- 660 career home runs
- 2x Batting Champion