Willie Mays’ Personal Life, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Girlfriend, Kids, Other Family and Dating History
Parents
- Mother – Annie Satterwhite Mays:
- Willie Mays’ mother, Annie, played a significant role in his upbringing.
- She instilled values of hard work, discipline, and determination in her son.
- His mother, Annie Satterwhite, was just 16 when he was born. She abandoned him as a baby and later married another man, leaving Willie to be raised by his father.
- Father – William Mays Sr.:
- Willie’s father, William Mays Sr., was a steelworker.
- Although he passed away when Willie was young, his influence remained with him throughout his life.
Siblings
- According to sources, Willie Mays had no siblings.
Marriage and Children:
- Willie Mays was first married to Margherite Wendell Chapman from 1956 to 1963.
- Following his divorce from Margherite, he married Mae Louise Allen in 1971, and they were together until she passed away in 2013.
- The couple had adopted a son named Michael, whom Willie loved dearly.
Personal Life
Born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama, Willie Mays was an all-around athlete from a young age. He joined the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League in 1948, showcasing his talent and versatility. The New York Giants signed him upon his high school graduation in 1950, launching his Major League Baseball (MLB) career. Mays debuted with the Giants in 1951 and made an immediate impact, winning the Rookie of the Year Award after hitting 20 home runs. In 1954, he secured the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, leading the Giants to their last World Series title before their move to the West Coast.
His over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Mays played 23 seasons in MLB, primarily with the New York / San Francisco Giants and later the New York Mets. His athleticism, fielding skills, and charisma made him one of the greatest players ever.
With 24 All-Star appearances, he ranks second in history. His No. 24 jersey is retired by both the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets.
- After retiring as a player, Mays remained involved in baseball as a coach and ambassador.
- He passed away on June 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the sport.