Lee May, American baseball player and coach

A towering figure both physically and at the plate, Lee Andrew May (March 23, 1943 – July 29, 2017) was an American professional baseball player and later a respected coach whose powerful bat left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB). Known affectionately as "The Big Bopper" for his formidable power hitting, May carved out a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, captivating fans with his consistent ability to drive in runs and launch home runs across the league.

A "Big Bopper" on the Diamond: Lee May's Playing Career

From 1965 to 1982, Lee May graced the baseball diamonds as a prolific first baseman and designated hitter for four different iconic franchises: the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals. His career was defined by remarkable consistency; he achieved at least 20 home runs and 80 runs batted in (RBI) for an impressive eleven consecutive seasons, a testament to his enduring power and clutch performance. This kind of sustained offensive output was a hallmark of his era, where sluggers like May were the heart of many lineups. Adding to his unique legacy, May stands as one of only eleven major league players to record 100-RBI seasons for three different teams, showcasing his adaptability and impact wherever he played.

His talent did not go unnoticed by his peers and the league, as Lee May was recognized as a three-time All-Star player, a testament to his status among the game's elite. In 1976, while with the Baltimore Orioles, he reached the pinnacle of offensive production, leading the American League (AL) in RBIs and cementing his reputation as a premier run-producer. May’s postseason experience was also significant, appearing in the Fall Classic with two different teams: the 1970 World Series as a key member of the emerging Cincinnati Reds (often referred to as the foundation of "The Big Red Machine"), and the 1979 World Series with the Baltimore Orioles. He also saw postseason action in 1981 with the Kansas City Royals, demonstrating his value to contending teams throughout his storied career.

Beyond the Bat: A Coach and Hall of Famer

Following his impactful playing days, Lee May transitioned seamlessly into a new role, dedicating several years to sharing his wealth of hitting knowledge as a major league hitting coach. His coaching tenure included stints with organizations like the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing him to mentor new generations of hitters and pass on the wisdom gleaned from his "Big Bopper" days. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, were widely celebrated. In recognition of his enduring legacy, Lee May received multiple prestigious inductions into baseball's halls of fame: the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1998, followed by the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2006. His remarkable career was further honored with his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Interestingly, baseball talent ran in the May family, as Lee was the older brother of another former professional baseball player, Carlos May, making them a notable sibling duo in the annals of MLB history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lee May

Who was Lee May?
Lee Andrew May was a prominent American professional baseball player and coach, widely known as "The Big Bopper" for his powerful hitting during his MLB career from 1965 to 1982.
What teams did Lee May play for?
He played as a first baseman and designated hitter for the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals.
What was Lee May's nickname?
He was nicknamed "The Big Bopper" due to his impressive power hitting capabilities.
What were Lee May's major achievements in baseball?
Lee May was a three-time All-Star, the American League RBI champion in 1976, and is one of only 11 major league players to have 100-RBI seasons for three different teams. He consistently hit over 20 home runs and 80 RBIs for 11 consecutive seasons and appeared in three postseasons, including two World Series.
Was Lee May inducted into any Hall of Fames?
Yes, he was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame (1998), the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame (2006), and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2009).
Did Lee May have a coaching career?
Yes, after retiring as a player, he spent several years as a hitting coach at the major league level for organizations including the Royals, Reds, Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays.