“Willie”

Willie Mays dies at 93

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/...es/story?id=76026588

Bob, my sincere condolences.

Willie Mays was the first baseball player that I thought of as the best I have seen with my own eyes. He epitomized what I believe to be a generational player. Supremely talented on the field but gracious and humble off the field. Kind to everyone and an Ambassador for Baseball. I’m not sure you can find many modern day players that even come close to measuring up.

They used to say " Willys glove is where triples went to die!"

Bob - Sorry for your loss.  I met Willie and listened to him speak at a 1986 event at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC.  He was so humble and gracious.  It was very evident that all the other ex-ballplayers in the room looked up to him, and admired him.   He was one of a kind

My 1st meeting with Willie was in El Paso, Texas. 1955

This photo is his "barnstorming" team Willie Mays "All Stars".

They played 28 games from East Coast to LA.

Our Army "All Stars" played before 5,000 at Dudley Field. Final score 6-2.

Bob

Bob who is the middle of the front row?

Willie played 180 games while in the ARMY league. 52-54

Good Knight;

Baker, an infielder is next to Willie.

Henry Aaron, Ernie Banks, Monte Irvin.

Larry Doby was the 4th OF. Connie Johnson, White Sox pitched the complete game.

Bob

Bob,I hope you were there but if you were not able to attend, I hope you were able to watch tonight’s Giants tribute to Willie. As often happens with the Giants, it was beautifully done. I absolutely loved the story of his approaching the Giants to “renegotiate” his lifetime contract.

His life in and out of baseball is now truly “legend.”

infielddad:

Thank you. Yes, I viewed on TV. It was an "outstanding" tribute. Many memories of his visits to our Tire business in Burlingame.

Bob

infielddad;

Did you see this today ?.

"Willie Mays Ave"!!!

https://www.mercurynews.com/20...ifornia-legislature/

Bob

I had not seen that new honor, Bob. Thanks for the link.

My favorite tribute to Willie is just down the street and happened when Willie was living. In 2015, the newly constructed Little League field was named Willie Mays Ballpark.

My favorite memory of Willie was him giving our son a hitting lesson. Shaking his hand was a real eye opener. Huge hands and incredibly powerful.. the latter like his love of the game!