How They Stack Up: Hammerin’ Hank vs. The Say Hey Kid

Last Updated: May 29th, 2024 by Jake Cain

When it comes to baseball legends, few names shine brighter than Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Both were iconic figures with careers that spanned across two decades. They not only amassed impressive statistics but also left indelible marks on the game with their performances and personalities. Join us as we examine the careers of these two titans, comparing their impact on the game, their statistical achievements, and their numerous awards and accolades.

Early Careers and Breakthroughs

Hank Aaron: The Early Years

Hank Aaron, known affectionately as “Hammerin’ Hank,” made his MLB debut on April 13, 1954, for the Milwaukee Braves. He showed flashes of brilliance in that first season, but truly began to shine in his second season, batting .314 with 27 home runs and 106 RBIs. By 1957, Aaron had cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with, winning the National League MVP award and leading the Braves to a World Series championship.

Aaron’s early years were marked by his consistent power hitting. He hit 24 or more home runs every season from 1955 to 1973. This consistency laid the foundation for his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s career home run record, a chase that would captivate fans and media alike.

Willie Mays: The Say Hey Kid Arrives

Willie Mays debuted for the New York Giants on May 25, 1951. His rookie season saw him win the NL Rookie of the Year award despite a somewhat modest batting average of .274. Mays’ hallmark play came in 1954 when his over-the-shoulder catch in the World Series became one of the game’s most iconic moments. That year, he also won his first MVP award, leading the Giants to a World Series title.

Like Aaron, Mays was a marvel of consistency, but he brought an additional dimension with his speed and defensive prowess. Mays led the NL in stolen bases four times and won 12 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, showcasing his all-around capabilities.

Statistical Comparison

Batting Average and Hits

Hank Aaron finished his career with a .305 batting average and 3,771 hits, the latter of which puts him third all-time. Willie Mays, on the other hand, concluded his career with a .302 batting average and 3,283 hits, which is good for 13th all-time.

While Aaron edges out Mays in both batting average and hits, it’s crucial to note that both players maintained remarkable consistency and longevity in their careers. Each player achieved over 3,000 hits, a milestone that signifies sustained excellence.

Home Runs and RBIs

Aaron’s 755 career home runs stood as the MLB record until 2007. He also holds the record for career RBIs with 2,297. Mays hit 660 home runs, ranking him sixth all-time, and had 1,903 RBIs, which is 12th best.

Aaron’s record-breaking home run tally was a testament to his incredible power and consistency, but Mays was not far behind. Mays also showcased exceptional power, and his ability to steal bases (338 in his career) added another layer to his offensive threat.

Defensive Prowess

While Aaron won three Gold Glove Awards, Mays’ defense was legendary. He won 12 consecutive Gold Gloves, a record for outfielders. Mays’ ability to make spectacular catches, like “The Catch” in the 1954 World Series, and his strong throwing arm made him a defensive wizard.

Awards and Accolades

Both Aaron and Mays won numerous awards and achieved several milestones throughout their careers. Here’s a breakdown:

Hank Aaron

• 25× All-Star (1955–1975)
• 1× World Series Champion (1957)
• 1× NL MVP (1957)
• 3× Gold Glove Award (1958–1960)
• 2× NL Batting Champion (1956, 1959)
• 4× NL Home Run Leader (1957, 1963, 1966, 1967)
• 4× NL RBI Leader (1957, 1960, 1963, 1966)
• Career Records:
  • 2,297 career RBIs
  • 6,856 career total bases
  • 1,477 career extra-base hits
• Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1982) with 97.8% of the vote