Mayes was the owner and manager of the St. Louis Wildcats semi-pro baseball team from the 1960s until his death in 1996. He also played for the Wildcats, the last of the original Tandy League teams, during the 1960s.

Mayes created and sponsored baseball tournaments in the St. Louis area. He also managed St. Louis teams that traveled throughout the Midwest and the South. He was a manager in the Black Ball Traveling Independent League and also the Coal Belt Semi-Pro League.

Through his love of baseball, Mayes provided the opportunity for young men throughout the St. Louis area to play on semi-pro teams. He was well-liked and respected because everyone who wanted to play baseball was given a chance. Many of his players advanced to the professional ranks.