27 best MLB nicknames of all-time
14. “The Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays
The term “five-tool player” refers to an athlete who displays elite ability in five crucial categories: hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, throwing ability and fielding ability.
There is quite possibly no player in MLB history who personifies this distinction more than Willie Mays.
Mays took baseball by storm in 1951, bringing home Rookie of the Year honors during his first season in the big leagues. The impressive start was a sign of things to come.
After missing the better part of two seasons while serving in the military, Mays returned as arguably the most iconic player in the league. He won the National League MVP Award in his first year back in baseball, and made the first of 23 consecutive All-Star Game appearances. He also won the only World Series title of his career that year.
At the height of his game, Mays was one of the most talented and beloved players that baseball had ever seen. He was a two-time MVP, 11-time Gold Glove winner, four-time home run champion, four-time stolen base leader and 24-time All-Star. His 660 career home runs and 156.2 wins above replacement rank fifth all-time.
Mays came to be known as the “Say Hey Kid” during his career, with the nickname allegedly originating from his first season in the majors. As a rookie, he would shout ‘Say hey over there!’ to players whose names he did not know.
As Mays’ friendly persona became more apparent to the public over the course of his career and into retirement, the nickname “Say Hey Kid” became synonymous with the longtime Giants outfielder.
Next: 13. The Yankee Clipper/ Joltin' Joe