Baseball icon Willie Mays has passed away at the age of 93, leaving the world of baseball in mourning. His son, Michael Mays, confirmed the sad news through the San Francisco Giants, where his father spent much of his MLB career.
Michael Mays, who is Willie Mays’ adopted son, has largely remained out of the public eye compared to his famous father. He was adopted by Willie Mays and his ex-wife, Marghuerite Wendell Chapman, in 1959. Not much is known about Michael’s current profession or career, as he has chosen to stay away from the spotlight.
Although Michael Mays made headlines back in 1983 when he was arrested and charged with attempted murder, claiming that the shooting was accidental. He was ultimately convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and served a two-year prison sentence.
Willie Mays was married to Marghuerite Wendell Chapman from 1956 to 1963. The couple adopted Michael in 1959, providing him with a family environment while Willie Mays pursued his successful baseball career. The reasons for their divorce remain private, and both Marghuerite and Willie Mays kept a low profile after their split.
The news of Willie Mays’ death was first reported on Tuesday evening, with tributes pouring in from across the baseball world. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred described Mays as a “true Giant on and off the field.”