Willie Mays was the first position player I can remember cheering for when I was a kid at Shea Stadium. By the time he came to the Mets in 1972, he was merely a shadow of his former greatness. But during the 50s and 60s there was nobody better on the field.
The ultimate 5-tool player, Mays could do it all. Just think about this – he won a batting title (and finished his career with a .302 BA), he led the league in HRs four times (and finished with 660), AND he led the league in stolen bases four times as well.
Along the way he also 2 MVPs (plus finishing in the top 5 an additional seven times), won 12 Gold Glove awards, and was on 24 All Star teams.
Arguably the greatest center fielder of all time, Willie Mays is clearly an Immortal.
For some background on what this is, check out the introduction post here.
