The legendary base-stealer Maury Wills, who played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three World Series victories, has passed away.
He was known for intimidating pitchers with his base-stealing skills. He was 89 years at the time of his passing
The club announced Tuesday that Wills passed away Monday night at home in Sedona, Arizona after learning of his passing from family members. There was no information provided regarding what caused the death.
During his first eight seasons with the Dodgers, Wills was a member of World Series champion squads in 1959, 1963, and 1965.
Before joining the Dodgers again from 1969 to 1972 and retiring, he also played for Pittsburgh and Montreal.
Wills had 2,134 hits, 586 stolen bases, and 1,942 games played throughout the course of his 14-year career.
On September 23, 1962, Wills stole 97 bases, breaking Ty Cobb’s previous mark for a single season. He was the first player to steal more than 100 bases in a season.
For the remainder of this season, the Dodgers will sport a patch in his honor.
Wills managed the Seattle Mariners for a disastrous two seasons in 1980–81, going 26–56 with a.317 winning percentage.
In 1962, the year of the All-Star Game played in his hometown of Washington, D.C., he was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player.
Wills didn’t remain at the team hotel for the All-Star Game; he stayed at home with his family. He arrived at the stadium with a Dodgers shirt and a Dodgers bag.
The security guard, however, refused to let him in, claiming that he was too tiny to play baseball.
Is Maury Wills Married?
Maury Wills was married to Carla at the time of his death. Barry, Micki, Bump, Anita, Susan Quam, and Wendi Jo Wills are their six beautiful children.
