Willie Mays Joined 7-18-1970 3000 Hit Club, Baseball's 3000 Hits Club Knowledge Base!

Willie Howard Mays was born on May 6, 1931 at Westfield, Alabama. He Batted right and Threw right. He played for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets. Willie was elected into the Hall of Fame by BBWAA on 1979 - there were 409 votes of 432 ballots cast: 94.68%. Career Batting Record Hall of Fame Plaque Willie Mays, the "Say Hey Kid," played with enthusiasm and exuberance while excelling in all phases of the game — hitting for average and power, fielding, throwing and baserunning. His staggering career statistics include 3,283 hits and 660 home runs. The Giants' superstar earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1951 and two MVP awards. He accumulated 12 Gold Gloves, played in a record-tying 24 All-Star Games and participated in four World Series. His catch of Vic Wertz' drive in the 1954 Series remains one of Baseball's most memorable moments.

Considered by many the greatest player of all time, Mays was the prototype of the complete player; he hit for average and power, ran the bases with intelligence and speed, played a spectacular centerfield, and possessed a great arm. He was also remarkably durable, playing in at least 150 games for 13 consecutive seasons.