The Singular Willie Mays
The numbers tell a story, the rest tells even more
In the baseball reference world of black ink, Willie Mays falls short of the unreal dominance of such all-time greats as Ted Williams, Rogers Hornsby, or Babe Ruth.
Where Mays excelled was breadth of excellence.
To wit (deep breath):
Lead National League in WAR nine times (15x in top ten)
Led National League in runs scored twice
Led National League in hits once
Led National League in triples three times
Led National League in home runs four times
Led National League in stolen bases four times
Led National League in stolen base percentage five times
Led National League in power/speed # eight times
Led National League in bases on balls once
Led National League in batting average once
Led National League in OBP twice
Led National League in OPS five times
Led National League in OPS+ six times
Led National League in Adjusted OPS+ six times
Led National League in total bases three times
Led National League in slugging percentage five times
Led National League in home runs per at bat five times
Led National League in Win Probability Added five times
Led National League in Double Plays Turned as OF four times
Led National League in Total Zone Runs as OF four times
Scored more than 100 runs in 12 consecutive seasons
Scored more than 120 runs 6 times
Slugged 170 hits in 12 consecutive seasons
Compiled 10 or more triples in a season five times
Slugged 40 or more home runs in a season six times
Drove in 100 runs in a season ten times
Stole 23 bases at the age of 40. Caught only twice.
Hit over .300 in a season ten times
Compiled a 1.0 OPS in a season five times
Compiled 300+ total bases in 13 consecutive seasons (Only Henry Aaron had more [15] and only Lou Gehrig equaled his streak)
Appeared in 150+ games in 13 consecutive seasons
24 time All-Star
12 time Gold Glove outfielder
Won two NL Most Valuable Player awards
Finished in the top six in MVP voting 12 times
Recorded 7,037 putouts as a CF in his 22-year career, the most ever
Recorded 196 assists including a career high 27 at the age of 40!
The Catch
Some players compile outstanding numbers with flair. Some players with flair compile mediocre career numbers. Mays was a singular combination of sustained consistent excellence, innovative, creative genius, and engaging, must-see presence. Seeing Mays was worth the price of admission.
Even if The Say Hey Kid did not hit a home run, he might do something daring on the bases. Even if struggled at the plate, he might do something memorable in the field. Even if he struggled in all areas, he was always entertaining.
The basket catch. The distinct follow through on the swing with the bat contacting the dirt in the batter’s box. The cap flying off as he whirred around the bases.
The numbers tell only part of the story of the legendary Willie Mays.
For those of us privileged to see him play, we are better because we cherished the rest of the story. Say Hey!
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