How did Willie Mays become a baseball player?

679. SHARES. One of the greatest baseball players in history, Willie Mays thrilled fans over a 22-year big league career with his powerful bat and astonishing defensive skills. ... runs and hits. Mays was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979 and later became a special assistant to the Giants organization. read more

Mays was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979 and later became a special assistant to the Giants organization. Early Years and Baseball Career. Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931, in the African-American mill town of Westfield, Alabama. read more

Mays also became just the second player in baseball history to have 20 doubles, triples, home runs and steals in the same season in 1957. During his time in New York, Mays was part of a triumvirate of Hall-of-Fame centerfielders, along with Mickey Mantle of the Yankees and Duke Snider of the Brooklyn Dodgers. read more