He then played there for most of the next 15 seasons.
He finished his singular career with the New York Mets in 1973.
Speedy centerfielder Mays turned, started a dead sprint toward the outfield wall and made an over-the-shoulder basket catch.
Willie MaysMichael Zagaris / Ken McLaughlin / Getty Images
The play remains among the greatest ever.
He led the league in homers and stolen bases four times and in triples three times.
He was also named one of MLBs All-Time and All-Century teams.
In 1951, Mays was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War.
It was there that Mays learned about basket catch from Al Fortunato.
Due to his military service, Mays missed 266 games.
He was discharged on March 1, 1954, reporting to the Giants training camp the following day.
Mays was a high-profile figure for African American visibility but remained silent on politics and discriminatory practices.
I am not a politician or a writer or a historian.
I can do best for my people by doing what I do best.
He also appeared as a Giants player in the legal dramaIronsidein 1970.
