Willie Mays
October 14, 1954
First African-American to win Major League Baseball’s Gold Glove
Willie Mays Aikens, born on October 14, 1954, is a former American professional baseball first baseman known for his career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the California Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1985. Aikens gained recognition as one of the league’s premier power hitters before his career took a downturn due to his involvement with drugs.
Early Years:
Willie Mays Aikens grew up in the Bruce Hill community of Seneca, South Carolina, in challenging circumstances. Despite the odds, he excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, football, and basketball during his time at Seneca High School. Aikens earned a scholarship for both baseball and football at historically black South Carolina State University. However, baseball at South Carolina State was discontinued after his freshman year. His high school baseball coach, Willie McNeil, helped him secure a spot in a semi-professional summer baseball league in Baltimore, Maryland. During his time in Baltimore, Aikens caught the attention of California Angels scout Walter Youse and was chosen as the second overall pick by the Angels in the January 1975 MLB draft.
MLB Career:
California Angels: Aikens swiftly rose through California’s farm system, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. In 1976, he led the league with thirty home runs and 117 RBIs while playing for the El Paso Diablos. His MLB debut with the Angels in 1977 was less impressive, with a .198 batting average in 91 at-bats across 42 games.
Kansas City Royals: A trade to the Kansas City Royals in December 1979 marked a significant change in Aikens’ career. Despite struggling as a fielder, he became the team’s first baseman. In the 1980 World Series, Aikens made history by hitting two home runs in Game 1 and Game 4. He also delivered the game-winning RBI in Game 3. Although the Royals lost the series, Aikens had a remarkable performance.
Aikens continued to excel, leading the Royals in home runs and RBIs during the strike-shortened 1981 season. However, his career took a downturn, marred by off-field issues. In 1983, he faced legal troubles related to cocaine, which led to his guilty plea for attempting to purchase cocaine, resulting in a three-month prison sentence.
Toronto Blue Jays: Following his legal troubles, Aikens was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1984 for designated hitter Jorge Orta. Despite his reinstatement after suspension, Aikens’ MLB career was on the decline. He was released by the Blue Jays in 1985 after a brief stint with the team.
Life After Baseball and Legal Troubles:
Aikens continued his baseball career in the Mexican League, where he consistently ranked among the league’s top hitters, achieving a remarkable .454 batting average in 1986.
However, his involvement with drugs continued to haunt him. In 1994, Aikens was sentenced to 20 years and eight months in prison for selling crack cocaine, facing harsh sentencing guidelines. His drug habit had escalated from 1991 to 1994, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction.
Aikens served his prison sentence and was released on June 4, 2008, following changes in federal drug laws. After his release, he worked in road construction and shared his experiences with schools and young baseball players, aiming to make a positive impact.
In 2011, the Kansas City Royals hired Aikens as a minor league coach, although his employment was briefly delayed due to his wife’s health issues. Aikens is a father of three daughters, Nicole, Sarita, and Lucia, from different relationships.