MLB legend Willie Mays is known for his incredible talent on the baseball field, but behind the scenes, he had a loving partner by his side for more than 40 years.
Mae Louise Allen was Willie Mays’ wife, and the couple tied the knot a year before his time with the Giants came to an end.
Mae and Willie met in 1961 at a Harlem nightclub owned by Wilt Chamberlain. According to reports, Willie introduced himself by saying, “You don’t know me, but I’m Willie Mays,” to which Mae playfully replied, “And I’m Martha Washington.”
Despite Mae’s preference for staying out of the limelight, it is known that she graduated from Howard University with a master’s degree in social work. She was described as a trailblazer for single adoptions in San Francisco.
Tragically, Mae passed away in April 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Giants president Larry Baer paid tribute to her, acknowledging her importance in Willie’s life and expressing condolences to the Mays family.
Willie Mays himself passed away in June 2024 at the age of 93, but the cause of his death was not disclosed by the Giants.
Before his marriage to Mae, Willie Mays was previously married and adopted a son named Michael. Michael has remained relatively private but has expressed gratitude to fans for their love and support for his late father over the years.
Willie is also survived by his godson, Barry Bonds, the son of his former Giants teammate, Bobby Bonds. Through it all, Mae Louise Allen stood by Willie Mays, supporting him both on and off the field for over four decades.
