Willie Howard Mays Jr., known as The Say Hey Kid, is considered one of the greatest baseball players in Major League Baseball history. Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Mays displayed natural athletic talent from an early age. He played as a center fielder and became famous for his outstanding defensive skills, speed, and powerful hitting.
Throughout his career, Willie Mays inspired countless young athletes and became an enduring symbol of baseball excellence. His impact was not limited to the baseball field — he represented perseverance, humility, and dedication. Fans admired his charisma, kindness, and sense of sportsmanship.
Mays began his professional journey with the Negro Leagues’ Birmingham Black Barons before joining Major League Baseball with the New York Giants in 1951. He played until 1973, finishing his career with the New York Mets. Over 22 seasons, Mays became one of the most respected figures in American sports.
Willie Mays Biography Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Willie Howard Mays Jr. |
| Nickname | The Say Hey Kid |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Westfield, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 18, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 93 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 170–180 lbs (77–82 kg) |
| Education | Fairfield Industrial High School |
| Occupation | Professional Baseball Player |
| Playing Career | 1951–1973 |
| Teams | New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets |
| Position | Center Fielder |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Spouses | Marguerite Wendell Chapman (1956–1963), Mae Louise Allen (1971–2013) |
| Children | One (Adopted son Michael Mays) |
| Net Worth | $8 million (estimated 2025) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 1979 |
| Famous For | 660 Home Runs, “The Catch,” 24 All-Star selections |
| Social Media Accounts | Twitter (@WillieMays), Instagram (@sayheykid24) (legacy managed by family) |
What is Willie Mays Net Worth?
The discussion of Willie Mays net worth reflects not just his financial success but also his career achievements and legacy. According to credible reports, Willie Mays net worth is estimated at around $8 million as of 2025.
During his playing days, baseball salaries were far lower than modern figures. Mays’s top annual salary in the 1970s was approximately $180,000, equivalent to just over $1 million today when adjusted for inflation. However, he earned additional income through endorsements, appearances, and memorabilia sales after retirement.
Financial Overview
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million |
| Career Earnings | Around $1.15 million total in salaries |
| Highest Annual Salary | $180,000 in 1973 |
| Primary Income Sources | MLB contracts, endorsements, public appearances, memorabilia |
| Real Estate | Owned properties in California, including in San Francisco |
| Other Assets | Baseball memorabilia, signed merchandise, and royalties |
While Willie Mays net worth might seem modest compared to modern stars, it’s important to remember that during his time, professional athletes didn’t have million-dollar endorsement deals or mega-contracts. Yet, his financial discipline and reputation ensured a comfortable and honorable life.
Mays also invested in community projects and youth programs, reinforcing his image as a philanthropist rather than a lavish spender. His lifestyle reflected humility and gratitude, not extravagance.
When analyzing Willie Mays net worth, experts often point out that his “legacy value” — the cultural and historical worth of his name and memorabilia — could far exceed $8 million in long-term assessments.
Why is Willie Mays famous?
Willie Mays became famous not only for his baseball achievements but also for the excitement and flair he brought to the game. His athleticism made him one of the most complete players ever — he could hit for power, hit for average, run fast, field expertly, and throw with precision.
His most memorable moment came during the 1954 World Series, when he made “The Catch”, an over-the-shoulder running grab that remains one of the most iconic plays in baseball history. This single play symbolized his grace, awareness, and instinctive brilliance.
Over his career, Mays earned:
- 24 All-Star selections
- 12 Gold Gloves
- 2 National League MVP Awards (1954, 1965)
- 660 career home runs, ranking among the top in MLB history
He also played in over 2,900 games and maintained a career batting average of .302. These accomplishments solidified his legendary status.
What is Willie Mays Age?
Willie Mays was born on May 6, 1931, and he passed away on June 18, 2024, at the age of 93. Even in his later years, Mays remained active in the baseball community, attending events, mentoring younger players, and making appearances at Giants games.
His longevity, both in life and in influence, is remarkable. Many players and fans consider Mays a bridge between generations — from the Negro Leagues era to modern Major League Baseball.
Willie Mays Biography
Early Life
Willie Mays was born to Willie Howard Mays Sr., a steel mill worker and talented amateur baseball player, and Annie Satterwhite Mays, a high school athlete. Growing up in a small Alabama town, Mays learned discipline and teamwork early on. His father played on local teams and introduced him to baseball as soon as he could hold a bat.
By high school, he was already known as a local sports hero, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. His determination to succeed in segregated America made his achievements even more inspiring.
Education
Mays attended Fairfield Industrial High School in Fairfield, Alabama. While he excelled academically, his true passion was sports. After graduating, he joined the Birmingham Black Barons, marking the beginning of a historic career.
Although he didn’t pursue college, his life’s education came from experience — from traveling, facing challenges, and mastering his craft.
Family
Willie Mays’s family always supported his career. His father’s involvement in baseball inspired him deeply. Mays married Marguerite Wendell Chapman in 1956, but they divorced in 1963. He later married Mae Louise Allen Mays in 1971, and they remained together until her passing in 2013.
He adopted a son, Michael Mays, in 1959. Michael often accompanied his father to games and became part of his public life.
Personal Life
Willie Mays lived most of his life in San Francisco, California, where he became a beloved figure in the community. His friends described him as down-to-earth and generous.
After retiring, he worked for the San Francisco Giants organization as a special assistant and mentor. He also appeared in charity events, documentaries, and interviews, always carrying himself with dignity.
Mays’s hobbies included golfing, attending sports events, and mentoring young athletes. He valued privacy but never forgot his fans, often saying, “Without the fans, there is no game.”
Lifestyle
Even after retirement, Mays maintained a comfortable but modest lifestyle. His home reflected his appreciation for history and baseball memorabilia. He often displayed his awards, old jerseys, and personal photos with teammates.
His diet and exercise routines helped him stay healthy well into his 80s and 90s. Mays was also known for participating in community activities and supporting youth baseball programs in the Bay Area.
Willie Mays Height and Weight
In his prime, Willie Mays stood 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed around 170 pounds. His athletic build contributed to his success as an all-around player. His height and agility helped him cover massive ground in the outfield, while his strength gave him tremendous power at the plate.
Mays was not the tallest or biggest player, but his balance, quick reflexes, and coordination made him unbeatable. His physique allowed him to combine power with speed — an attribute few players in baseball history have matched.
Willie Mays Media Presence
Willie Mays continues to be celebrated across media and pop culture. His life story has been featured in documentaries, biographies, and television specials. Statues of him stand outside Oracle Park in San Francisco, honoring his contributions to baseball.
His influence can be seen in players like Barry Bonds (his godson) and Ken Griffey Jr., who credit Mays as a source of inspiration.
Even in the digital era, Willie Mays’s legacy lives on through social media pages, fan tributes, and online museums. The hashtags #SayHeyKid and #WillieMays frequently trend around his birthday or significant anniversaries.
When considering Willie Mays net worth, one must include his cultural worth — a priceless value represented through books, documentaries, and museum exhibits celebrating his life.
- Instagram: williemaysofficial
- Twitter: SFGiants on X
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willie Mays net worth in 2025?
The most reliable estimate of Willie Mays net worth is around $8 million, accounting for his baseball earnings, endorsements, and memorabilia.
How did Willie Mays earn his fortune?
Mays earned money through MLB salaries, endorsement deals, signing memorabilia, and appearances after retirement.
How tall was Willie Mays?
He was approximately 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) tall and weighed around 170 lb.
When did Willie Mays retire?
He retired in 1973, ending a 22-year career with the Giants and Mets.
What awards did he win?
Mays won two MVP awards, 12 Gold Gloves, and made 24 All-Star appearances. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Conclusion
Willie Mays net worth symbolizes more than money — it reflects a lifetime of excellence, determination, and inspiration. From humble beginnings in Alabama to global fame, Mays’s journey tells the story of hard work paying off.
While Willie Mays net worth is estimated at $8 million, his true legacy cannot be measured in dollars. His impact on baseball, his role as a trailblazer for African-American athletes, and his ongoing influence on generations of players make him priceless in the world of sports.
At 93 years old, Mays left behind not only wealth but a heritage of passion, discipline, and love for the game. His story teaches that greatness isn’t just about fame or fortune — it’s about leaving a mark that time cannot erase.
Willie Mays will forever be remembered as one of baseball’s brightest stars, both on and off the field.