On This Day

Maury Wills

Athlete

Born: Died: American

Maurice Morning Wills (October 2, 1932 – September 19, 2022) was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop from 1959 to 1972, most prominently as an integral member of the Los Angeles Dodgers teams that won three World Series titles between 1959 and 1965. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Montreal Expos. Wills is credited with reviving the stolen base as part of baseball strategy.

Wills was the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1962, stealing a record 104 bases to break the old modern-era mark of 96, set by Ty Cobb in 1915. Wills was an All-Star for five seasons and seven All-Star Games, and was the first MLB All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1962. He also won Gold Gloves in 1961 and 1962. In a fourteen-year career, Wills batted .281 with 20 home runs, 458 runs batted in, 2,134 hits, 1,067 runs, 177 doubles, 71 triples, 586 stolen bases, and 552 bases on balls in 1,942 games. Wills briefly managed the Seattle Mariners in parts of the 1980 and 1981 seasons.

Notable For

American baseball player and manager

Maury Wills's Historical Timeline

  1. Maury Wills is born

    Maury Wills, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1932-10-02.

  2. LA Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills breaks Ty Cobb's 1915 MLB steals record, recording his 97th steal on his way to 104

    Maurice Morning Wills (October 2, 1932 – September 19, 2022) was an American professional baseball player and manager.

  3. LA Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills becomes first player in MLB history to steal 100 bases (en route to 104)

    This article details the history of the Atlanta Braves, which concerns the evolution of the Major League Baseball team Atlanta Braves over time. The Braves played in Boston from their inception in...

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Maury Wills born?
Maury Wills was born on 1932-10-02 (American).
What is Maury Wills known for?
American baseball player and manager
What historical events involved Maury Wills?
Maury Wills was involved in 3 recorded historical events, including Maury Wills is born, LA Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills breaks Ty Cobb's 1915 MLB steals record, recording his 97th steal on his way to 104, LA Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills becomes first player in MLB history to steal 100 bases (en route to 104).
When did Maury Wills die?
Maury Wills died on 2022-01-01.

Related Years