Willie Mays becomes the first player to win the Most Valuable Player Award in his first full year in the majors

Willie Mays becomes the first player to win the Most Valuable Player Award in his first full year in the majors

ByTom

Willie Mays becomes the first player to win the Most Valuable Player Award in his first full year in the majors when he easily outdistances Reds first baseman Ted Kluszewski for the honor. The 23 year-old Giants center fielder made his big league debut at the end of May in 1951 but missed the last two seasons due to his military service in the U.S. Army.

Willie Mays Biography
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Willie Mays Biography

ByThis Day in Baseball

  Willie Mays Position: CenterfielderBats: Right  •  Throws: Right5-10, 170lb (178cm, 77kg)Born: May 6, 1931 in Westfield, AL usHigh School: Fairfield Industrial HS (Fairfield, AL)Debut: 1948 (10,389th in major league history)AL/NL Debut: May 25, 1951 vs. PHI 5 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBLast Game: September 9, 1973 vs. MON 2 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SBHall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1979. (Voted by BBWAA…