All-Star May, once traded for Aaron, dies at 68

Former Major League All-Star Dave May, who was once traded for Hank Aaron during his 12-year career, died on Saturday. He was 68.

May was a native of New Castle, Del., and lived in Bear, Del. He had diabetes and cancer, according to a report in The News Journal.

May's son Derrick played 10 seasons in the Major Leagues and now is the Cardinals' Minor League roving hitting instructor. St. Louis also selected his grandson, Derrick May Jr., in the 37th round of this June's First-Year Player Draft, although he didn't sign.

Derrick May told The News Journal that his father received many phone calls in the last week before his death.

"I never realized how many people he's impacted, not only around here, but people in baseball," Derrick May said. "Dusty Baker called and Cito Gaston, Willie Horton, Ralph Garr and all these people called just to help him out. He and Johnny Briggs were best friends for 40 years."

Dave May's name became connected to Aaron on Nov. 2, 1974, when the Brewers dealt May and a player to be named later to the Braves for the future Hall of Famer. Aaron played two seasons for the Brewers before retiring with 755 career homers after the 1976 season.

The Giants signed May as an amateur free agent in 1961, and he broke in with the Orioles as a 23-year-old in 1967. He spent four seasons with Baltimore, appearing in the 1969 World Series for the Orioles against the Mets, and six with Milwaukee before stints with the Braves, Pirates and Rangers. His last big league action came in 1978.

May played all three outfield positions in his career, finishing with a .251 batting average, 96 home runs and 422 RBIs. His best year came for the Brewers in 1973, when he posted a .303/.352/.473 batting line with 25 homers and 93 RBIs, leading the league in total bases and making the All-Star team.

May later was named to the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, Derrick May told The News Journal.