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Willie Mays is born
Willie Mays is born to Ann Satterwhite and William Howard Mays in Westfield Alabama. -
13 and playing Semi Pro
As a 13 year old Willie played with grown men for a Semi Pro team called the Gray socks. -
Joins Negro League
Willie played centerfield for the Birmingham Black Barons as a 17 year old. -
Signs contract with New York Giants
He was 19 years old and signed a contract with New York Giants for 5,000 dollars up front and 250 dollars a month. He payed Class B Ball for Trenton New Jersey. -
Major League Debut
Willie made his Major League debut for the New York Giants. -
Rookie of the Year
Named MLB Rookie of the Year. -
Drafted into U.S. Army
He missed most of the 1952 season and all of the 1953 season due military service. Willie was assigned to the instructional division of Physical Training Department at Fort Eustis in Newport News Virginia. -
"The Catch"
In the first game of the World Series, Willie makes a spectacular catch and then throws the ball on a line to home to hold the runner at 3rd. The Giants go on to win the opening game of the series. -
Giants win the World Series
Giants win the World Series in 4 games. Willie Mays is named National League MVP. -
Marriage
Willie marries Marghuerite Wendell. -
Creation of the 30/30 Club
Willie finishes the season with 36 homeruns and 40 stolen bases. This establishes the 30/30 club. -
Giants move to San Fransisco
The Giants are moved to California. -
Adoption of baby boy
The Mays become a familly with the adoption of their baby boy Michael. -
Divorce
Willie and his wife divorce. -
400 Homeruns!
Willie hits his 400th homerun. -
500th Homerun
Mays hits his 500th homerun and is named National League MVP. -
Gold Gloves
Willie wins his 12th consecutive and final Gold Glove. -
600th Homerun
Willie hits his 600 th homerun! -
Mays Marries again
Willie marries Mae Louise Allen from Pittsburgh. -
Trade
Traded to the New York Mets for a Minor League pitcher and some cash. -
Last Homerun
Willie hits his 660th and last homerun. -
Retierment
Mr. Mays announces his retirement from Major League Baseball. -
Hall of Fame
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot by 94.6 % of voters.
