Willie Howard Mays Jr. (1931–2024,) known as “The Say Hey Kid,” was an American baseball player widely regarded as one of MLB’s greatest athletes.
Born in Westfield, Alabama, he began his career in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro leagues before joining the New York Giants (1950.) Over 23 seasons, he played primarily for the Giants, later relocating with the team to San Francisco, and finishing with the New York Mets. A five-tool player, he won Rookie of the Year (1951,) two MVP awards, and 12 Gold Gloves. His legendary “The Catch” in the 1954 World Series remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments.
Beyond baseball, Mays wrote several books reflecting on his career and philosophies, including Born to Play Ball (1955,) Say Hey: The Autobiography of Willie Mays (1988,) and 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid (2020.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Willie Mays
It isn’t hard to be good from time to time in sports. What’s tough is being good every day.
—Willie Mays
Topics: Time Management, Resolve, Sports, Value of Time, Perseverance, Endurance
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