Willie Mays, the legendary “Say Hey Kid,” transitioned from humble beginnings in Birmingham, Alabama, to a luxurious mansion in San Francisco, reflecting his illustrious baseball career and enduring legacy.
Starting his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, Mays quickly became a beloved figure in Major League Baseball.
His Achievements
Known for his signature basket catch and dynamic base running, with his cap often flying off, Mays’ over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series remains one of baseball’s most iconic defensive plays.
During his 23 major league seasons, mostly with the New York/San Francisco Giants, Mays batted .301, hit 660 home runs, and accumulated 3,293 hits.
He scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Glove awards.
He was named Rookie of the Year in 1951, earned MVP honors twice, and finished in the top 10 for MVP 10 other times.
His achievements led to his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1979, and The Sporting News ranked him second only to Babe Ruth in 1999.
Beyond the Baseball Field
Mays’ influence extended beyond the field.
He played stickball with kids in Manhattan, defused a brawl during a game in 1965, and acted as a mentor to younger players, including his godson Barry Bonds.
His life story, from a modest childhood home to a luxurious mansion, symbolizes his hard-earned success and relentless dedication to baseball.
His Former San Francisco Mansion
In the 1960s, just before Christmas, Willie Mays gifted himself an elegant home located in San Francisco’s fashionable Forest Hills district.
This multi-level house, designed with modern structural aesthetics, stands tall and offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco’s unique urban architecture.
Architectural Marvel
The home, built by Al Maisin, features a sharply angular design supported by steel and concrete beams.
Inside, Mays added his personal touch with a circular staircase for easy access to the garage and a Cadillac convertible, especially on busy game days.
Personal Touches and Elegant Decor
The home’s interior, reflecting Mays’ personal style, features a gold and white color scheme throughout, with blue accents in the master bedroom.
This decoration choice showcases his preference for simplicity and elegance.
The house also includes luxurious gold carpeting, elegant window drapings, and a mix of smooth surfaces and textured effects like pebbles and flagstones.
Furthermore, an ironwood tree with decorative leafing adds a unique touch.
Mays’ selections also include large, antique-style lamps and a burnished gold lion’s head, highlighting his love for distinctive decor.
A Luxurious Sanctuary
The master bedroom, Mays’ sanctuary, boasts a king-size bed, a 20-foot wall-to-wall closet for his splendid wardrobe, and a communications system with five white telephones scattered throughout the house.
Additionally, the home is equipped with six television sets, including four portables, one miniature, and one color set, reflecting Mays’ love for entertainment.
A Testament to Success and Passion
Willie Mays’ residence is a testament to his journey from a modest shotgun house to a symbol of his success and passion for baseball.
Reflecting on his journey, Willie cherishes every moment, appreciating how far he has come from the days of getting in trouble for playing the game he loves to being celebrated as one of its greatest players.
His San Francisco home stands as a testament to his passion, perseverance, and the lasting impact he had on the game of baseball.
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