This Day in Baseball History
1979 - Willie Mays inducted into Hall of Fame
Receiving 409 of a possible 432 votes, Willie Mays is inducted as a member of the Hall of Fame.
The "Say Hey Kid" spent 22 seasons in the majors, amassing one of the most impressive resumes in baseball history.
Following a successful stint in the Negro American League with the Birmingham Barons, Mays signed with the New York Giants - who later moved to San Francisco - in 1950 as an amateur free agent.
Mays was named Rookie of the Year the following year and would collect the first of two MVP awards in 1954, while also being named to the first of 24 All-Star teams. He led the Giants to his first and only World Series title that same year, slashing .345/.411/.667 with 41 home runs and 13 triples.
Way-back Playback: Willie Mays wows us with 'The Catch'
Renowned as one of the best outfielders to ever to play, Mays appeared in 2,992 games, posting a career line of .302/.384/.557 with 660 home runs (fourth all-time) and 1,903 RBIs (11th all-time).
After 20 seasons with the Giants, Mays was traded to the New York Mets in 1972 and retired two years later.
From Mays' Hall of Fame plaque
One of baseball's most colorful and exciting stars, excelled in all phases of the game, third in homes (660), runs (2,062) and total bases (6,066); seventh in hits (3,283) and RBI's (1,903). First in putouts by outfielder (7,095). First to top both 300 homers and 300 steals. Led league in batting once, slugging five times, home runs and steals. Four seasons voted N.L. MVP in 1954 and 1965. Played in 24 All-Star games - a record.
Birthdays
1970 - Alan Embree
1982 - Wily Mo Pena
1985 - Jeff Samardzija