The Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the Major League Baseball (MLB) player who demonstrates the most significant impact on their team's performance during the World Series, the final round of the MLB postseason. While the award now bears the name of baseball legend Willie Mays, its history predates the iconic player's direct association with it. The award was first introduced in 1955 by
*Sport* magazine, and since 1985, it has been officially presented by MLB. The winner is determined by a committee of reporters and officials present at the final game of the World Series.
On September 29, 2017, the award was officially renamed in honor of Willie Mays. This renaming served to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of "The Catch," Mays' legendary defensive play in the 1954 World Series. Interestingly, despite the award now carrying his name, Mays himself never won the World Series MVP Award during his illustrious career, as the award's debut occurred the year after his famous play.
Origins and Early Years of the Award
The World Series MVP Award began in 1955, with Johnny Podres of the Brooklyn Dodgers being the inaugural recipient. For many years, the award was presented by *Sport* magazine, establishing a tradition of recognizing individual excellence in baseball's ultimate championship series. The criteria for selection have always focused on a player's overall contribution and impact on their team's success in the World Series.
Over the decades, the trophy design for the award has evolved. Early versions included a metallic baseball inside a hoop, used until 1984. From 1985 to 1988, a tall wooden base with a metallic baseball surrounded by metallic flags was presented, with text reading "*Sport Magazine's* World Series Most Valuable Player Award." Other designs included a metallic bowl on a wooden base and a trapezoidal wooden base with the MLB logo and a metallic baseball. A pyramid-shaped trophy with a dark base, clear body, and baseball on top was in use by 1995, and a scaled-down variant of the Commissioner's Trophy was last presented in 2017.
Renaming in Honor of Willie Mays
The decision to rename the award in 2017 was a significant moment, linking the honor directly to one of baseball's most celebrated figures. The renaming specifically acknowledged the 63rd anniversary of "The Catch," a play that epitomized Mays' defensive prowess and his impact on the game. This move not only honored Mays but also connected the award to a specific, legendary moment in World Series history, even though Mays himself was not a recipient of the award.
Since 2018, the trophy for the Willie Mays World Series MVP Award features a wooden pedestal topped by a bronze sculpture of Willie Mays making "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series. This design choice further solidifies the connection between the award, Mays, and his iconic play, ensuring that his legacy is visually represented in the recognition of future World Series MVPs. The renaming and the new trophy design serve as a permanent tribute to Mays' indelible mark on baseball.
The Impact of "The Catch" on Mays' Legacy
"The Catch" itself, while not directly leading to an MVP award for Mays, played a crucial role in solidifying his legendary status. It was a play of immense difficulty and importance, occurring in a pivotal moment of a World Series game and broadcast on national television. This combination of factors made it an unforgettable event. The play prevented the Cleveland Indians from taking the lead in Game 1, a game the Giants ultimately won in extra innings, contributing to their sweep of the series. The renaming of the MVP award ensures that Mays' name and this specific, extraordinary moment will forever be associated with the pinnacle of baseball achievement.
