How much money did Willie Mays make?
How much money did Willie Mays make?
By Oliver Wiener October 16, 2023 05:25
Willie Mays, also known as "the Say Hey Kid," was one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. He played for the San Francisco Giants, and in 1964, he signed a contract worth $105,000. At the time, this made him the highest-paid player in baseball. Mays was a superstar player, and his skills were widely praised by his former managers and teammates.
Mays was not just a great hitter, but also an outstanding fielder. He was known for his acrobatic catches and his incredible speed. He scored more than 2,000 runs and made more than 7,000 outfield putouts during his career. Mays' enthusiasm and love for the game made him a fan favorite, and he was considered one of the most charismatic players of his time.
Mays' salary remained the same in 1964, making him the highest-paid player in baseball yet again. His contract was a reflection of his excellent performance on the field. In 1963, he hit .314 with 38 home runs and 103 runs batted in. It was a successful season for Mays, and his manager, Alvin Dark, considered him the best player he had ever seen.
Mays was not just a great player, but he also came from a family of athletes. His father was a semipro baseball player, and his mother was a high school athlete. Mays grew up in Alabama during the Great Depression and faced hardships, but his family pulled together. He excelled in high school sports and played for African American teams before being noticed by the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro American League.
Mays' salary in 1964 was significant, but it was not the first time a player had received such a high salary. In previous years, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Ted Williams had reached the $100,000-a-year level. However, Mays' salary was a reflection of his excellent performance on the field and his status as one of the best players in baseball.
In addition to Mays, the San Francisco Giants also signed Orlando Cepeda for around $52,000 in 1964. Cepeda was a top supporting player for the Giants, and his salary was the second-highest on the team after Mays. Cepeda had negotiated his contract and held out in 1962 for a raise, which he received. His new contract in 1964 was believed to be $5,000 higher than his previous one.
Mays retired from baseball in 1973, but his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time lives on. His skills, charisma, and love for the game made him a fan favorite, and his salary in 1964 reflected his status as one of the best players in baseball. His success on the field was a reflection of his hard work and dedication, and his story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.
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