RIP Willie Mays

[gus4emo]

Arguably the most complete MLB player in history.

[405x5]

Jun 21, 2024 10:59:25 GMT -5 gus4emo said:

Arguably the most complete MLB player in history.

….. and a sweetheart of a man also!

I had the honor of meeting him years ago in Valhalla, which is about a half hour north of the Bronx. He had a friend who owned a delicatessen there that he would visit from time to time…… Happened to be it was a pitstop of mine on the way to work where I would grab some breakfast and whatever. So one day I walk in there and there’s a sign up above the counter that says today’s special the Willy wedge lol

I could see him from where I was standing just him and his buddy in the back room that on the deli and I couldn’t resist I’d like to have one of those Willy wedges, please and they came out… Nobody was in there except the three of us and I got to say hello to shake his hand I thought my hand might melt lol

And his paws were huge I guess from hitting all those home runs my hand just disappeared. That was a wonderful morning indeed he will be missed.

[geebo]

R.I.P. Say Hey Kid.

[AudioHTIT]

Saw him play once as a kid -- before Chavez Ravine was built and the Dodgers played in the LA Coliseum -- Dodgers vs Giants of course. Can't say I remember anything spectacular he did (I was probably 8), but I do remember my dad pointing him out and saying what a great player he was.

[ttocs]

R.I.P

[Zombie]

Years ago in the 90’s we had a friend that owned an Italian restaurant in Rancho Bernardo (San Diego County). Occasionally on Monday nights when the restaurant was officially closed he’d invite a few select friends with their families to come in and enjoy a special dinner. We didn’t have to pay for the meal but were expected to leave a generous tip for the staff.  One particular Monday evening the owner told us a very special guest was coming for dinner. But we were also told not to bother this person for an autograph or anything. I was there with the wife and 3 kids (4th wasn’t born yet). A black limo pulled up out front and we were trying to see who was getting out without being too obvious. Of course it was Mr. Mays with his wife and Ernie Banks with his wife. All were dressed quite elegantly. The men in nice black suits, women in full-length dresses. They came in and sat at a table probably 20’ away. Everyone enjoyed their dinners and nobody bothered them. I really wanted to say “hi” and get a signature but I respected the wishes of the owner and didn’t. The owner later on told me Mr. Mays was constantly hounded for autographs everywhere he went so when he could have a nice quiet dinner with his wife and friends it was very special. The owner did tell he’d try to get an autographed ball for me at some point but never did. 

[gus4emo]

I remember his last base hit, 1973, game 2 of the world series, against Rollie Fingers of the A's, I was rooting for the A's because of Reggie Jackson, who I saw playing in Puerto Rico, of course I liked many players from the A's, who won 3 world serieses in a row, 72, 73, 74, they beat the Reds, Mets and the Dodgers...

[mfeust]

He was by far my very favorite of all time. Him and Roberto Clemente. I stopped caring about baseball in 1995 the strike year and have never watched or followed the game again. I could not name one player in the MLB and only know one Pirate's starting pitcher as Olivia Dunne's boyfriend.

Mark

[gus4emo]

Jun 23, 2024 9:41:00 GMT -5 mfeust said:

He was by far my very favorite of all time. Him and Roberto Clemente. I stopped caring about baseball in 1995 the strike year and have never watched or followed the game again. I could not name one player in the MLB and only know one Pirate's starting pitcher as Olivia Dunne's boyfriend.

Mark

Clemente was another one, and his heart gave baseball the "Roberto Clemente Award".