This 2-for Tribute gave me chills TWICE ... (1) Willie Mays and your light-hearted meet-up merely a decade post-Civil Rights awakening of this 12-year-old at the time. (2) Jimmy's orientation of Juneteenth; I received the same orientation from him in Rigby, Idaho as Lydia de los Rosa, your Sister Patsy and I were sitting around the breakfast table on one June 19th at Annelle's and Gary's home after I successfully answered his question, "Do you know what day this is?" Although I associated the date with the name of the Holiday, I wouldn't have been able to grasp the significance without being quizzed and having the pleasure of meeting Jimmy at that "reunion" of three DHS Class of '68 Alumnus.
Richard - When I was 8 years old, the Giants were still playing at the Polo Grounds and San Francisco had the Seals, Oakland had the Oaks, both in the Pacific Coast League, along with the Seattle Rainiers, the Portland Beavers, the Sacramento Solons, the Los Angeles Angels, the Hollywood Stars and the San Diego Padres. Those were the days.
Thanks, Myrna. Can't believe that was almost 51 years ago. You know, sometimes you can tell even at a first meeting what kind of a person you're with. Willie Mays is so legendary, he could have just waved me off. He didn't. His kindness shined through. He was a remarkable human being who opened many doors for many people.
Well, it also helps that you exuded an aura of sweetness and genuine love for others as well. You have always been humble and I think he not only felt that authenticity but saw it in your eyes. Love the power of ENERGY... Yes, he definitely helped so many others on his life long path.❣️✌️
Bob… Great article. You triggered only fond memories of Willy Mays. He was the best player of a couple of generations. Need to go out in the garage —-dig in my son’s baseball card collection and see if I can find a “Mays” card. More likely that they will be Bonds, McGuire, Canseco… Hard to imagine my son is now 40+ and Willie Mays made the World Series Catch 70 years ago. Mays was more than a “player”. He was a gentleman, a good will ambassador. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I think the greatest baseball player but also a cultural icon and so much more. We were blessed to have him associated with the Giants.
I'm having trouble finding certain baseball cards from years long ago as well. Just imagine, if your son had a Mantle rookie card, he could retire.
You're right about Willie Mays. He was so much more than just a baseball player. I can't imagine being a kid rooting for the Giants and Mays at the Polo Grounds in the mid-1950s and then one day, boom, Mays and the Giants are suddenly 3,000 miles away and the Polo Grounds are empty. That's a heartache that might last a lifetime.
I remember that. Was happy to do so. I'm sure that Mays card is worth a million bucks today. Monty not quite so much, but I really did like Monty, too.
Fab piece. Davis Exit. Epic.
Thanks so much, Jack. Can't you just see Willie Mays driving through Davis and standing in line for a frozen yogurt with three toppings.
This 2-for Tribute gave me chills TWICE ... (1) Willie Mays and your light-hearted meet-up merely a decade post-Civil Rights awakening of this 12-year-old at the time. (2) Jimmy's orientation of Juneteenth; I received the same orientation from him in Rigby, Idaho as Lydia de los Rosa, your Sister Patsy and I were sitting around the breakfast table on one June 19th at Annelle's and Gary's home after I successfully answered his question, "Do you know what day this is?" Although I associated the date with the name of the Holiday, I wouldn't have been able to grasp the significance without being quizzed and having the pleasure of meeting Jimmy at that "reunion" of three DHS Class of '68 Alumnus.
That's quite a story, Sherri. And in Rigby, no less. Wow.
Yeah, the town where "Andy of Mayberry" was filmed.
Grew up with Willie Mays as my #1 sports hero.
Met him before a game at Candlestick around 1961 when I was about 8 years old. Still one of the top 3 or 4 moments of my life.
And I was at Candlestick about ten years later to see him get basehit #3000 --- he was then only the tenth player to reach that level.
Thank you, Willie, I always looked up to you!
#24 --- Best All-Around Baseball Player of All-Time
Richard - When I was 8 years old, the Giants were still playing at the Polo Grounds and San Francisco had the Seals, Oakland had the Oaks, both in the Pacific Coast League, along with the Seattle Rainiers, the Portland Beavers, the Sacramento Solons, the Los Angeles Angels, the Hollywood Stars and the San Diego Padres. Those were the days.
Wow!!! What a SWEET memory meeting Mr. Mays. Love the World Series Pin too.
1973... yowza yowza👏👏
Thanks, Myrna. Can't believe that was almost 51 years ago. You know, sometimes you can tell even at a first meeting what kind of a person you're with. Willie Mays is so legendary, he could have just waved me off. He didn't. His kindness shined through. He was a remarkable human being who opened many doors for many people.
Well, it also helps that you exuded an aura of sweetness and genuine love for others as well. You have always been humble and I think he not only felt that authenticity but saw it in your eyes. Love the power of ENERGY... Yes, he definitely helped so many others on his life long path.❣️✌️
You're very kind, Myrna.
Bob… Great article. You triggered only fond memories of Willy Mays. He was the best player of a couple of generations. Need to go out in the garage —-dig in my son’s baseball card collection and see if I can find a “Mays” card. More likely that they will be Bonds, McGuire, Canseco… Hard to imagine my son is now 40+ and Willie Mays made the World Series Catch 70 years ago. Mays was more than a “player”. He was a gentleman, a good will ambassador. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I think the greatest baseball player but also a cultural icon and so much more. We were blessed to have him associated with the Giants.
Amen, Jim.
I'm having trouble finding certain baseball cards from years long ago as well. Just imagine, if your son had a Mantle rookie card, he could retire.
You're right about Willie Mays. He was so much more than just a baseball player. I can't imagine being a kid rooting for the Giants and Mays at the Polo Grounds in the mid-1950s and then one day, boom, Mays and the Giants are suddenly 3,000 miles away and the Polo Grounds are empty. That's a heartache that might last a lifetime.
As a lifelong baseball fan, I loved reading this. How wonderful to have interacted with the Say Hey Kid. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Bob If you are looking for the Monty Irvin card…you won’t find it, you gave it to my son.
I remember that. Was happy to do so. I'm sure that Mays card is worth a million bucks today. Monty not quite so much, but I really did like Monty, too.