Willie Mays is, and will always be, a baseball legend.  The hard-hitting Center fielder played for more than 20 seasons and finished his decorated career with 24 All-Star appearances, 12 Golden Glove awards and two National League MVP awards.  Although his awards and consistent performance were important, Willie Mays was also a fan favorite, because of spectacular plays.

On this day, September 29th, in 1954, Willie Mays made a famous over the shoulder catch in game 1 of the World Series. The play has been referred to simply as, “The Catch,” and took place after Vic Wertz sent a long ball down center field.  Not only was the play amazing for fans, but it also kept the game even by preventing two scores.  Mays capped off the game by bringing in the winning run.

The Catch is one of baseball’s most iconic fielding plays and has stayed with Mays well after his playing career came to an end.