MLB renames World Series MVP award to honor Willie Mays
Major League Baseball announced Friday that the World Series MVP award has been renamed to honor Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays.
The award will now be named the Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player.
Exactly 63 years ago to the day, Mays made the most memorable defensive play in World Series - and possibly MLB - history, known as "The Catch."
63 years ago, he made “The Catch.”
— MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2017
Now, @MLB has renamed the #WorldSeries MVP Award in honor of Willie Mays. https://t.co/6ehvMaWRyP pic.twitter.com/cFh8jPZSwf
"Major League Baseball is thrilled to honor Willie Mays on our game's biggest stage and in a manner that befits his many contributions to the sport," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
"Since making 'The Catch' on Sept. 29, 1954, Willie has been a part of World Series history. This annual recognition will forever celebrate the life and career of a legend of the national pastime."
The award was introduced in 1955, a year after Mays made the famous play and helped guide the New York Giants to a World Series title.
A 24-time All-Star (MLB featured two exhibition contests per summer from 1959-62), a 12-time Gold Glove winner, and a two-time MVP, Mays appeared in four World Series throughout his 22-year career.