The Undisputed Greatness of Willie Mays: A Comprehensive Look

Among baseball aficionados, there has long been a prevailing belief that Willie Mays was the sport’s greatest all-around player. This assertion may surprise casual fans or those unfamiliar with baseball, especially as tributes pour in this week following Mays’ death at age 93. Traditionally, Babe Ruth has been the go-to answer for the title of “greatest player,” a reputation built over a century ago with his record-breaking home runs and transformative impact on baseball’s popularity, earning it the moniker of America’s national pastime. Ruth’s dual prowess as a formidable slugger and a top-tier pitcher further cemented his legendary status.

However, Mays’ excellence spanned far more facets of the game than Ruth’s, despite never pitching. “Willie Mays was the player who did everything better than anybody else,” remarked sportswriter Joe Posnanski. While Mays might not have been the absolute best in every individual aspect, he was among the elite in all: hitting, fielding, throwing, and running. Posnanski, in his acclaimed 2021 book “The Baseball 100,” ranked Mays as the greatest player of all time, with Ruth in second place.

Mays epitomized the concept of a “five-tool player”—excelling in hitting for average, hitting for power, fielding, throwing, and base running. “I don’t know if they invented the term to describe him. But he epitomized it like no one else,” noted Jayson Stark of The Athletic and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s writers’ wing. Stark highlighted Mays’ unique achievement of leading his league in hits, runs, home runs, triples, stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, total bases, and walks at various points in his career.

Moreover, Mays holds the distinction of being the only player with over 300 home runs, 300 stolen bases, 3,000 hits, and a lifetime .300 batting average—each a significant milestone in baseball. Yet, even Stark acknowledges that Mays’ greatness transcends statistics. “I honestly don’t think you need to tell this story of Willie Mays with the numbers,” he said.

Many also recall the sheer joy Mays brought to the game. “Baseball is a game that is meant to be enjoyed, and there has never been a player more joyful than Willie Mays,” Posnanski observed. Stark echoed this sentiment, noting Mays’ unmatched charisma and the infectious joy he spread, turning millions into baseball fans.

While Babe Ruth revolutionized baseball with his home run feats and larger-than-life presence, Mays’ joyful demeanor and playful nickname, “the Say Hey Kid,” captured the public’s imagination differently. His career spanned 23 years, during which he maintained the exuberance of a child enjoying the game.

Perhaps the most iconic moment of Mays’ career occurred not at the plate but in centerfield during the 1954 World Series. His over-the-shoulder catch in the Polo Grounds is often heralded as the greatest catch in baseball history. This remarkable play, coupled with his exceptional defensive prowess—more games in centerfield and more outfield catches than any other player—underscores the often underappreciated defensive dimension of his game.

Mays’ achievements are sometimes underappreciated due to his playing era and location. He spent much of his career on the West Coast, limiting his exposure to the broader national audience. His playing years also preceded the era of ubiquitous sports coverage and instant replays, which contribute to a diminished appreciation of his daily brilliance.

Furthermore, baseball historian Gary Gillette points out an important contextual factor: Ruth played in a segregated era, whereas Mays was a trailblazer in the sport’s integration during the 1950s. This crucial distinction adds another layer to Mays’ legacy. Additionally, Mays lost nearly two full seasons to military service during the Korean War, yet still managed to amass 660 home runs, a testament to his extraordinary talent and perseverance.

Although some historians, like Steve Hirdt, give Ruth a slight edge due to his pitching success, they still recognize Mays’ unparalleled excitement and overall greatness. “Willie was the most exciting player I’ve ever seen, and there’s no one close for second,” Hirdt declared.

In sum, while Babe Ruth’s legendary status is undeniable, Willie Mays’ comprehensive excellence, infectious joy, and groundbreaking contributions to baseball solidify his place as the game’s greatest all-around player.