Willie Mays: podcast appearances and interviews

Willie Howard Mays Jr. was an American professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Mays was a five-tool player known for his versatility and excellence on both offense and defense. He began his career in the Negro leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons before being signed by the New York Giants upon graduation from high school in 1950. Mays made his MLB debut in 1951 and quickly established himself as a star, winning the Rookie of the Year Award after hitting 20 home runs and helping the Giants secure their first pennant in 14 years. In 1954, he received the National League Most Valuable Player Award and was instrumental in securing the team's World Series title that year. Notable for an iconic over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series, Mays contributed significantly to his team's success during his tenure with the Giants, including their move to San Francisco. He won another MVP award in 1965 and led the Giants to the 1962 World Series. Mays finished his career with the New York Mets after a trade early in the 1972 season and retired following their appearance in the 1973 World Series. Over his career, he was a 24-time All-Star and led the NL in home runs four times and slugging percentage five times. Mays was a pioneer in baseball, excelling in speed, power, defense, and versatility, and set numerous records. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.