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Why Baseball HOFer Willie Mays’ Biggest Thrill In His Career Had Nothing To Do With The Game
The legendary outfielder had many amazing accomplishments, but his favorite moment in the sport happened off the field
When it comes to baseball legend Willie Mays, his many personal and team accomplishments should lend themselves to being candidates for what gave him his biggest thrills during his 22-year playing career. However, the Hall-of-Fame outfielder’s favorite moment from his iconic tenure in the sport had nothing to do with the game itself and surprisingly came before he ever even stepped on a big-league field.
The right-handed Mays began his career in the Negro Leagues, but was snapped up by the New York Giants after the center fielder’s vast talent was discovered by them. In 22 big-league seasons (1951- 1973) with the New York/San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, he hit a combined .301 with 3,293 base hits, 2,068 runs scored, 660 home runs, 1,909 RBIs and 308 stolen bases. He captured a Rookie of the Year award and two MVPs; was a 24-time All Star; and was a member of the 1954 World Series winning Giants. He was an easy first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 1979, and has remained as one of the most frequently mentioned names that comes up in any discussion about the…
