Maury Wills was born on February 2, 1932, in Washington, D.C. Growing up, he excelled in multiple sports, earning All-City honors in baseball as a pitcher, football as a quarterback, and basketball as a guard at Cardozo Senior High School.
Wills began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959. As a switch-hitting shortstop, he quickly gained recognition for his speed and base-stealing abilities. In 1962, he was named the National League MVP, thanks to his impressive batting average of .281 and his role in helping the Dodgers win three World Series Championships.
Wills is credited with revolutionizing base stealing as a key strategy in baseball. His speed and agility on the base paths made him a formidable opponent for pitchers and catchers alike.
In 1962, Wills was awarded the prestigious Hickok Belt Award, recognizing him as the top professional athlete in the United States for that year. His impressive career stats, including hitting 20 home runs, solidified his reputation as one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history.
Off the field, Wills had a high-profile relationship with actress Doris Day. He also has a son named Bump, whom he shares his love of baseball with.
Maury Wills' impact on the game of baseball extends far beyond his playing days. His innovative approach to base stealing and his success as a switch-hitting shortstop have solidified his place in the history books. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the sport and a beloved figure in the baseball community.