Mobile Courant

This week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) in introducing a resolution honoring the life and enduring legacy of William “Willie” Howard Mays, Jr. Mays passed away last month at the age of 93. His passing came two days before Major League Baseball hosted its first-ever game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where Mays made his professional baseball debut 76 years prior.

“Willie Mays will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time,” said Senator Tuberville. “He truly embodied the American dream and his legacy will last far beyond his incredible, inspiring lifetime. I am honored to celebrate Mays’ life and legacy both on and off the field—a true Alabama hero.”

The complete text of the resolution is as follows:

FINAL RESOLUTION TEXT:

Honoring the life and enduring legacy of William “Willie” Howard Mays, Jr.

Whereas William “Willie” Howard Mays, Jr. (referred to in this preamble as “Mays”) was born in the former town of Westfield, in Jefferson County, Alabama, in 1931, and began playing baseball at an early age with his father, “Cat” Mays, who was an accomplished baseball player himself;

Whereas Mays was a standout multi-sport athlete at Fairfield Industrial High School, leading the basketball team in scoring, playing multiple positions on the football team, and showcasing his natural talent for baseball;

Whereas, in 1948, Mays began his professional baseball career at age 16 in the Negro American League, 11 years before the complete integration of Major League Baseball in 1959;

Whereas, in 1948, Mays recorded his first professional hit at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama while playing for the Birmingham Black Barons and used his outstanding fielding, batting, and base running ability to help lead the team to the 1948 Negro World Series;

Whereas, in 1950, Mays signed a contract with the New York Giants after graduating from Fairfield Industrial High School; spent a brief year in the minor leagues; and was quickly called up to play his first game for the New York Giants on May 24, 1951;

Whereas, in 1951, Mays was voted National League Rookie of the Year after recording 68 runs batted in and 20 home runs in 121 games;

Whereas from 1952 to 1954 Mays was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War;

Whereas during his military service he spent most of his time at Fort Eustis as an athletic instructor and played baseball for Fort Eustis Wheels;

Whereas after finishing his Army service he returned to help win the New York Giants' World Series by making "The Catch" against Cleveland's batter that saved a go-ahead run during Game One of that series;

Whereas throughout his MLB career he earned numerous awards including:

(1) selection for All-Star Games twenty-four times;

(2) winning National League MVP Awards twice;

(3) receiving twelve Gold Glove Awards;

(4) leading National League home runs four times;

Whereas achieving .302 lifetime batting average along with recording significant statistics such as:

(1) total hits:3293

(2) home runs:660

(3) putouts from outfield:7112

Mays remains unique among players having more than three hundred each for home runs & stolen bases along with over three thousand hits & maintaining above .300 average batting throughout career despite full recognition only coming through MLB incorporating NAL records officially into historical records by year twenty-twenty-four

In nineteen seventy-nine elected into Baseball Hall Fame via first ballot while also being awarded Presidential Medal Freedom back twenty-fifteen marking highest honor given civilians under President’s authority.

On June eighteenth twenty-twenty-four dying aged ninety-three just days before historic event held Rickwood Field where initial pro debut took place seventy-six years earlier thus embodying epitome ‘American Dream’ showing relentless work ethic determination inspiring millions nationwide

Resolved Senate honors timeless values hard work sacrifice exemplified recognizing inspiration continues generations celebrating historic feats achieved within beloved sport

BACKGROUND:

Born former town Westfield located Jefferson County state Alabama nineteen thirty-one starting early passion ultimately becoming standout multi-sport athlete Fairfield Industrial High excelling basketball football naturally gifted talent showcased significantly advancing professional path aged sixteen joining NAL further progressing towards historical achievements recognized across wider MLB landscape acknowledged late incorporation stats onto official records electing HOF initially ballot nineteen seventy-nine alongside receiving highest civilian accolade Presidential Medal Freedom back twenty-fifteen highlighting significant contribution broader society especially sporting community overall

Senator Tommy Tuberville representing state Alabama within United States Senate actively participating across several key committees namely Armed Services Agriculture Veterans Affairs HELP respectively.

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