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Reds Hall of Famer Lee May dies at 74

Posted at 5:05 PM, Jul 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-30 17:14:05-04

Lee May, a Reds Hall of Famer who slugged 354 home runs in the major leagues, died at the age of 74, ESPN reported.

May, also known as “The Big Bopper,” may be remembered by Reds fans as the player who was traded to get Joe Morgan, giving rise to the Big Red Machine.

But May, alongside Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Bobby Tolan won 70 out of the first 100 games of the 1970 season.

Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum sent the following statement: 

"We are deeply saddened to lose the Big Bopper. Lee May was a friend of the hall and of everyone with whom he came in contact. Our condolences go out to Lee's family during this difficult time. We will always remember him for his contributions to the Reds, but also for his humor and genuine kindness."

May was signed by the Reds from Birmingham, Alabama in 1961. He also played for the Balimore Orioles, Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals.

He was a three-time All-Star (1969, 1971, 1972), and he led the American League with 109 RBIs in 1976, ESPN reported.

May went to the World Series with the Reds in 1970 and again with the Orioles in 1979. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2006.