Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays relished a lavish life with his million-dollar net worth. He left behind a massive fortune before his death at 93 on June 18, 2024.
Mays was one of the most loved baseball center fielders ever. Nicknamed “Say Hey Kid,” he played 23 seasons in the MLB. Having started his career with the NY Giants in 1950, the late player spent 21 seasons with the team before he played last at the New York Mets.
In 1973, Mays retired from his professional career, but baseball was a major part of his life, and he continued to serve in this field. Following his retirement, Mays worked as a hitting instructor at the New York Mets.
Due to his long-term career as a baseball player, Willie was able to preserve a considerable fortune. So, after his death, what happened to his fortune? Who inherited it? Also, viewers worldwide want to get a detailed insight on his earnings and assets portfolio. Let’s explore it all.
Key Takeaways:
- Willie Mays left a whopping net worth of $8 million.
- Following his retirement, Mays was a hitting instructor at the New York Mets.
- Mays also served in the US Army.
- He died following heart failure at 93 in June 2024.
Willie Mays Left Behind Million Dollar Net Worth – More On His Earnings
Willie Mays was one of the richest baseball players, with a net worth of $8 million at the time of his passing. Mays dedicated most of his life to baseball and made most of his gains from his contract with MLB teams.
As said earlier, Mays began his MLB career with the New York Giants in 1951 and played for the San Francisco Giants. His earnings were reported to be around $7,500 per year while on these teams.
In 195o, Mays became the highest-paid baseball player with a $75,000 contrac in San Franciscot. Mays was doing well in his career and led his team to win some titles.
When Mays signed a contract with the Giants in 1963, his earnings increased, as the deal was reportedly $105,000 per season. His earnings increased to $150,000 per year from 1966 to 1969.
From 1970 to 1972, he earned $165,000 yearly; the following year, he reportedly earned $180,000. In addition to being a baseball player, Mays also earned cash from sponsorship and endorsement deals. He worked with brands like Ford and Coca-Cola.
Likewise, Mays served in the US Army and the Korean War. It has been reported that the US Army usually makes $70,667 a year. So, Mays may have received income in the same range.
Having preserved a huge fortune, Willie lived in a 5,000-square-foot home in Atherton, California.
Here is the table of Mays’ Salary From MLB:
| Season | Salary |
| 1951-1957 | $7,500 |
| 1958 | $65,700 |
| 1959-1963 | $100,000 |
| 1964 | $105,000 |
| 1965 | $125,000 |
| 1966-1969 | $150,000 |
| 1970-1972 | $165,000 |
| 1973 | $180,000 |
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Willie Mays’ Cause Of Death Is Heart Failure
Willie took his last breath at 93 on June 18, 2024, and his death cause is reported to be heart failure. The president and chief executive of the Giants, Larry Baer, said that Mays died in an assisted living facility in Palo Alto, California.
Willie died the day after he the Chronicle he would not see the Negro Leagues tribute match between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
As soon as Mays’ death news was confirmed, tributes and condolence messages started to pour on various social media platforms. Former American President Barack Obama also shared some words for Mays.
Obama posted a photo of Willie and wrote, “Willie Mays wasn’t just a singular athlete, blessed with an unmatched combination of grace, skill and power.”
Who Is Willie Mays Survived By? A Look At His Family Life
Mays was close to everyone. He is survived by his son, Michael Mays, whom Willie adopted when he married his then-wife Marguerite Wendell Chapman.
Mays is also survived by his godson, Barry Bonds. Not to mention, Barry is an American former professional baseball left fielder. His dad, Bobby, was a Giants rookie in 1968. Later, Mays befriended the elder Bonds and becameBarry’s godfathery.
Following Willie’s death, his son, Michael, talked with the San Francisco Chronicle, saying, “My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones.”
Willie was a divorcee and widower at the time of his death. First, he was married to Marghuerite Wendell Chapman; they tied the kno in 1956 but separated in 1962. Their divorce was finalized in 1963.
Eight years later, in 1971, Willie married Mae Louise Allen, a child-welfare worker in San Francisco. They remained together until Mae died on April 19, 2013 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Hey, I am Dipesh, a passionate web content writer who loves creating engaging stories and covering trending news. As a versatile writer, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to various websites. From sports to celebrity news, I’ve immersed myself in diverse topics. My articles offer readers a deeper understanding of various fields, including celeb controversies and scandals. My interest goes far from only the glamour of Hollywood. As a sports enthusiast, I take the opportunity to analyze the lives of athletes. Whether writing blog posts or articles, I try to bring a unique perspective to every project I take.
