The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced a fourth induction class into their “Hall of Game,” with Los Angeles Dodgers legend Maury Wills among those honored. Al Oliver, Tony Perez and Lee Smith joined Wills in being recognized.
During the period where segregation was still in effect, the Negro Leagues provided an outlet for athletes. With a rich and event-filled history, the Dodgers have been represented by some of the most renowned baseball players in baseball history.
While Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, Roy Campanella and Wills are among those who also pioneered progressive change.
Former Dodgers shortstop and manager Bill Russell was also on hand to represent the organization during the ceremony on Saturday.
Congrats, Maury!
Maury Wills is part of the fourth induction class of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum "Hall of Game" in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/bYi5MZcblY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2017
Wills led the league with 50 stolen bases during his rookie season with the Dodgers, a mark which hadn’t been seen in baseball since 1923. Wills later broke Ty Cobb’s Major League record for stolen bases when he swiped 104 bags during the 1962 season.
The three-time World Series champion scored 1,067 runs; collected 2,134 hits, including 177 doubles; and finished with 458 RBIs and an astounding 586 stolen bases in his 15-year career.
His impact was so profound that former San Francisco Giants manager Alvin Dark ordered the grounds crew to water down the basepaths to basically a mud consistency, in effort to limit Wills and his production.
Wills spent 12 of 15 seasons with the Dodgers, earning accolades such as the 1962 MVP and seven All-Star appearances. The two-time Gold Glove winner posted a .281/.331/.332 career batting line with the Dodgers.
