James Horner, age 13, Hutchinson, Kans., for his question:

HOW GREAT WAS WILLIE MAYS?

Willie Mays, the American baseball player who was born in Fairfield, Ala., in 1931, is considered by many the most exciting player in modern baseball. The great athlete was a favorite of millions of fans.

Mays became the first player in the National League to hit more than 600 home runs. In 1964 he also became the first black player to be captain of a major league baseball team.

He earned fame as a right handed hitter, possessing a distinctive batting style and great power. He is equally well known for his defensive play at first base and center field.

Mays came to the major leagues in 1951 to play for the Giants, then in New York City. His career was interrupted in 1952 and 1953 while he nerved in the U.S. Army.

He was twice named the league's most valuable player, in 1954 and 1965. During the 1972 season he was traded to the New York Meta, also of the National League. He retired at the end of the 1973 season, with a lifetime batting average of .302 and a total of 660 homers.

In 1979 May was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, getting more votes than any other player in history.