Dave May

WPHS Class of 1961

Pro Sports & Coach

David LaFrance May Sr. was born in New Castle, Delaware on December 23, 1943, and was raised in Old New Castle. May excelled in sports at an early age and became a standout athlete while a student at William Penn High School. May played baseball, football, and basketball before graduating from WPHS in 1961.

While in high school, May began to attract the interest of professional baseball scouts. The day after he graduated from WPHS he signed his first professional contract with the San Francisco Giants.

During his career, he played for great teams, most notably the Baltimore Orioles in the 1960’s. While with the Orioles he played in a World Series, and an All Star Game before he was traded for baseball legend, Hank Aaron. The Dallas Morning News called May “without question one of the friendliest players in the sport.” iv According to The Great Delaware Sports Book, “Dave May could always hit, and he could look good doing it. Bobby Grich, his teammate on the Orioles, called Dave “the greatest batting practice hitter ever,” adding, “He was awesome… He could hit an 80-mile-an-hour fastball better than anyone.”

May had numerous Hall of Famers as teammates, many of whom he mentored. His professional baseball career ended in 1979. May continued to participate in the sport he loved as a hitting coach in the Atlanta Braves’ minor leagues.

The 32nd Delawarean to play in the major leagues, May was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 1984. He was inducted into the Delaware Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Upon returning to his Delaware roots, May coached in New Castle Little League Baseball and assisted on the coaching staff at both Wilmington and Salem Community Colleges. May continued to share his love of sports with youngsters by taking a managing position with the New Castle Parks and Recreation Department. When he wasn’t on a ball field, May loved to cook, and worked in catering and food service business as well.

Dave May lived a full life, passing on October 20, 2012, at the age of 68.