He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1964 through 1973 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and New York Mets.

May was the Pirates' catcher on June 12, 1970, when pitcher Dock Ellis threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres.

May was traded along with Freddie Patek and Bruce Dal Canton from the Pirates to the Royals for Jackie Hernández, Bob Johnson and Jim Campanis at the Winter Meetings on December 2, 1970.

[1] While May wasn't a strong hitter, he was valued for his defensive skills, posting a .990 fielding percentage over his career.

[6] May was born in Virginia to Kit and Norine May and attended Augusta County's North River High School.