Giants' Lewis shutting down season Sep 11, 2008
His 11 triples are one shy of Willie Mays for the San Francisco single-season record. "I proved to myself, the coaches and the fans that I can play at this level," Lewis said. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Meeting Mays was Mazzilli's greatest thrill Sep 9, 2008
He met Willie Mays that day ... He was 18 again as he said: "I signed the contract at Shea. [General manager] Joe McDonald asked me if there was anything I wanted to see, and I told him, 'Yeah, Willie Mays. I'd like to meet Willie Mays.' So they took me down to the clubhouse, the trainer's room. I walk in, and Willie Mays is on the trainer's table." ... "And then he came into Yogi's office. I'm there with Yogi Berra and Willie Mays. You kiddin' me? "He was like a monument to me. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Aurilia helps rally Giants to 7-6 win over Pirates Sep 7, 2008
Cepeda is the fourth former Giants player to have a statue erected in his honor, joining Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal. As part of the day-long tribute to Cepeda, San Francisco players wore jerseys bearing the "GIGANTES" logo. (Anchorage Daily News)
Grateful Cepeda honored with statue Sep 7, 2008
"He really wanted it to be about Orlando's personality rather than his hitting or something else," said Behrends, who created the now-familiar sculptures of Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal that also surround AT. Former Giants manager Dusty Baker, in absentia, provided a glimpse at the warmth Cepeda generated and inspired. Baker's son, Darren, read a tribute from his father, who played with Cepeda in Atlanta at the beginning of his Major League career and is now managing the... (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
MLB Insiders - San Francisco Giants Sep 6, 2008
The first three: Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal. BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Leadoff homers for this year. (Pittsburgh, TheInsiders.com)
Rest could help Lewis rebound vs. Bucs Sep 6, 2008
His next triple will be his 12th, tying him with Hall of Famer Willie Mays (1960) and Steve Finley (2006) for the most in the club's San Francisco history. Lewis also has reached base safely via a hit, walk or hit by pitch in 88 of his 106 starts. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Cepeda ready for statue dedication Sep 6, 2008
"It's incredible," Cepeda said Friday, one day before his statue will be unveiled and dedicated at the corner of Second and King streets outside AT. "When you play ball, you take everything for granted. You just play ball, because you have the ability. You never think, 'Someday ...'. But now, looking back, I was very, very fortunate, very lucky." Cepeda admitted that as he attended dedication ceremonies for the statues of the other three legends who have been thus honored -- Willie Mays, Willie... (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Brother spurs Frandsen's good works Sep 3, 2008
Giants legend Willie Mays captured the inaugural Clemente Award in 1971. is a reporter for MLB.com. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Ordonez earns Clemente nomination Sep 3, 2008
Recent winners include former Houston Astros star Craig Biggio, who received last year's honor, Carlos Delgado, John Smoltz, Edgar Martinez, Willie Mays and Tigers Hall of Famer Al Kaline. Ordonez came to Detroit after the 2004 season, already a star player after establishing his credentials in Chicago. (MLB.com -- Detroit Tigers)
Marlins announcers up for Frick Award Sep 1, 2008
" One Marlins broadcaster already has received the Frick Award, legendary Spanish-language radio voice Rafael "Felo" Ramirez (2001). For the first time in franchise history, Florida's radio broadcasts are on a new flagship station -- 790 The Ticket. But Van Horne is a familiar voice throughout the game. In all, he has been behind the microphone for 40 years. After being with the Montreal Expos from their inception in 1969-2000, he joined the Marlins' radio crew. For a number of years he called... (MLB.com -- Florida Marlins)
Thome and his dad visit Hall of Fame Aug 29, 2008
"We got to see Babe Ruth's jersey, Willie Mays' bat, and gloves from throughout history. I should have paid more attention, but I was just in awe," he said. Thome became one of just 24 players in Major League history to hit 500 home runs, 15 of which have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Kranepool has fond Shea memories Aug 29, 2008
Willie Mays was in the opposing outfield, while Bunning, Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal and Sandy Koufax were delivering the pitches that he couldn't yet hit. It was also a time when umpires marveled like "The Three Stooges" at a black-marked baseball covered in grease and saliva. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Replay could signal big-league change Aug 28, 2008
But in most ballparks, the re-enactment of Willie Mays' over-the-head catch wouldn't get a second look, if it was the visiting centerfielder. Rain delays. (USA Today -- Sports)
Baseball Today Aug 28, 2008
1965 -- San Francisco's Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner's National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 triumph over the New York Mets ... 1993 -- George Brett recorded his 200th stolen base in Kansas City's 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Greatest now, not forever Aug 27, 2008
Hank Aaron hit more home runs than Willie Mays and Barry Bonds overtook Aaron, but Mays is baseball's GOAT.. Who says. (Albany Times Union)
Mets to make sure Tatis stays sharp Aug 24, 2008
A key play in the inning was a sacrifice bunt by the Mets' leadoff hitter, Willie Mays. The sacrifice was the last one of 13 Mays had in his career. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Joining Forces Aug 22, 2008
"He was playing third base and I saw the name Maze and I asked him if he was related to Willie Mays. "We noticed right away that he is a quiet guy, a real well mannered kid. As a player, he is just so smooth. (Algona Upper Des Moines, IA)
FRANCHISE PLAYERS: Best in MLB to build a team around Aug 22, 2008
BP: PECOTA 50: The best players to build a team around (50-26) - MLB - SI.com. Posted: Thursday August 21, 2008 12:33PM; Updated: Thursday August 21, 2008 2:36PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Griffey moves into tie for fifth on HR list Aug 21, 2008
Only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660) have gone deep more frequently than Griffey. As he has done in the past, Griffey downplayed the individual accomplishment with a smile on his face while talking in front of his locker. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Cejudo realizes American Dream Aug 20, 2008
In retrospect, it was as if the player to be named later turned out to be Willie Mays. Being a gold medalist is great, but I think (Henry) wants to be the best, said Kevin Jackson, Team USA's national freestyle coach. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Atlanta scoutmaster's zeal inspires generations Aug 20, 2008
It was like going to a baseball convention and Willie Mays had just walked into the room, said Jack Arogeti, a former Cub Scout and President of Congregation Or VeShalom. His accomplishments and service to scouting were well known, highly regarded and everyone could see he played the game because he loved the game, and he believed in the game, and he was a microcosm of the game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Sox mailbag: Linebrink, Crede returning? Aug 19, 2008
With Griffey's power, Anderson's glove and Swisher's attitude, Willie Mays just might give up his spot in Cooperstown. Know anybody. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Sweet seasons for North's Wanner Aug 16, 2008
Sticking out foremost in your mind might be the way he chased 'em down while patrolling center field for Sioux City North High in the best tradition of Willie Mays. The choice is yours, but the baseball skills of the recent North graduate, combined with basketball acumen, add up to Wanner's selection today as The Sioux City Journal's 2008 Metro Male Athlete of the Year. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Giants watch finale slip away Aug 15, 2008
Interestingly, future Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Willie McCovey started every game of that season-ending series, even though it was a meaningless one. By contrast, the current Giants have less interest in their veterans and are more concerned with evaluating and developing their younger players, which is what Correia meant by "what we're doing." The infield is so overpopulated with rookies that one of the most promising first-year players, Emmanuel Burriss, was benched after starting the... (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
How does one explain Phelps' brilliance? Aug 15, 2008
Wrote about as many scores as Willie Mays hit home runs. - Willie Mays. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Favre's image will be just fine Aug 13, 2008
Willie Mays played past his prime and looked bad in the process. Joe Namath played past his prime and looked bad in the process. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Bochy gets visit from former teammate Aug 12, 2008
He struck out 15 that day, including Willie Mays three times. Richard's breakthrough year was 1976, when he posted a 20-15 mark. (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
'Barry Unlikely': Bonds Makes Surprise Cameo, Denies Retirement Aug 11, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008, 6:25 am. Get breaking news, daily headlines and more. (NBC 11, CA)
A Nice Surprise Aug 10, 2008
They not only got to cheer Bonds (and Willie Mays, Kevin Mitchell and many other great outfielders from the past half-century), they saw the Giants overcome a go-ahead homer in the top of the 10th by Bonds' old foil, Jeff Kent. When the Giants stormed back for two in the bottom of the inning, they prevented the Dodgers from capturing first place in the National League West. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Blast to the past Aug 10, 2008
After the first 24 former outfielders were introduced, Willie Mays walked through the center field gates unannounced. The crowd rose as he walked slowly toward the infield. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Bonds given hero's welcome at reunion Aug 10, 2008
To the delight of the AT crowd, Bonds was introduced directly after Hall of Famer Willie Mays. The two former MVPs met in the middle of the infield and enjoyed a long standing ovation and chants of "Barry, Barry.". (MLB.com -- San Francisco Giants)
Surprise! Bonds gets hero's welcome at reunion Aug 10, 2008
He was cheered when he joined Hall of Famer Willie Mays in the AT&T Park outfield ... Barry Bonds and Willie Mays share a moment on the field before Saturday's Dodgers-Giants game at AT.AP ... After the first 24 former outfielders were introduced, Willie Mays walked through the center field gates unannounced. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Dodgers thwarted in effort to take first Aug 10, 2008
And even harder to swallow in the wake of a dramatic pregame ceremony, which featured legendary Dodgers tormentor Willie Mays and was punctuated by Bonds, in his first AT appearance as a former player, taking the microphone while pointing into the Dodgers dugout. "If feels awkward for me not to be in uniform and the Dodgers are right there," he said. (MLB.com -- Los Angeles Dodgers)
Favre's second act: Like Joe Montana or Johnny U? Aug 9, 2008
Willie Mays stumbling in center field, benched in the World Series. Michael Jordan missing easy shots, heavier and far from a wizard. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Jenkins' 3-Dot Lounge Aug 9, 2008
(08-08) 19:15 PDT -- Willie Mays' name surfaced in the context of Brett Favre's move to the Jets this week, Mays being the most storied athlete ever to arrive in New York so late in a career. People associate Mays' farewell with a lack of dignity, and they fear watching a repeat performance with Favre, but that's wrong. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Notes: Great lineup for reunion, with or without Bonds Aug 8, 2008
They include Willie Mays, Kevin Mitchell, Candy Maldonado, Brett Butler, Bill North, Gary Thomasson and Terry Whitfield. Jack Clark was scheduled to attend but had to cancel. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Now showing: Brett Favre on Broadway Aug 8, 2008
He now has something in common with Michael Jordan and Willie Mays, as well as Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath none of whom were able to blossom elsewhere. "You can look at the glass as half-full or half-empty," said Johnson. (USA Today -- Sports)
Bonds should appear with Giants' greats Aug 8, 2008
The next one could be the same, with him surrounded by lawyers rather than Willie Mays, Felipe Alou and Kevin Mitchell. "I know the fans would love it," current outfielder Dave Roberts said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Deja vu: Twin bill has twin results in '75 Aug 6, 2008
Don Carrithers already had a place in Mets history, having served the pitch that Willie Mays hit for a game-winning home run against the Giants in his first game with the Mets, in 1972. On this day, in the first game, Carrithers pitched one of his three big league shutouts. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Counting down to Shea finale by unis Aug 6, 2008
No. 24: OK, so he was pretty at the end of his career when he joined the Mets, but Willie Mays is baseball's No. 24. With a nod to Rickey Henderson, Willie is the Mets' No. 24, too. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Then and Now... Trading Power Aug 5, 2008
Since F. Robby was dealt three times after he reached 500 home runs (exactly what that says is a little hard to figure at this point), prior to July 31, 2008, just five individual big hitters have been part of an actual trade Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa, Robinson and Eddie Mathews ... Robbys travels as a player ended on September 12, 1974, a little more than seven years after Eddie Mathews was traded with 503 home runs, and two-and-half seasons after Willie Mays was traded with... (Philadelphia, TheInsiders.com)
Shea's greatest hits Aug 4, 2008
But had the Mets won, Chavez catch and throw to double off St. Louis Cardinal Jim Edmonds would be considered the greatest play in postseason history -- even better than Willie Mays' catch in '54. It's that good. (Albany Times Union)
Dodge ball just got better Aug 3, 2008
Ram rez, a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, would join a host of enshrined outfielders, such as Dave Winfield (1990), Willie Mays (1972), and Lou Brock (1964), who were dealt in the middle of a season. Ram rez always has been in great lineups, so we'll see if he will be affected being in a not-so-great one. (Boston Globe)
The Front Row: Ramirez is on the move Aug 1, 2008
He was my generation s Willie Mays, since people my age never enjoyed the privilege of watching the Say Hey Kid in person. With his permanent smile and perpetual grace, Griffey made the game seem easier than Sunday morning. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Big Deals: Manny is dealt at the last moment Aug 1, 2008
Pudge is in a category with Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente - the only MLB players to hit over. 300 and win 12 or more Gold Gloves. (Suffolk News Herald, VA)
Pudge headed to the Bronx Aug 1, 2008
Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Rodriguez are the only three players in baseball history with at least 12 Gold Gloves and a career. 300 average or better. (News & Observer -- Sports)
White Sox get Griffey Aug 1, 2008
On June 9, he joined , Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and as the sixth player in history to hit 600 homers. While the Reds (51-58) languish in their division, the White Sox (60-46) lead the AL Central by 1 games over the and 5 over the. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Braves have money to spend, rebuild Jul 31, 2008
You can have Oprah s money times ten and resurrect Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio and time-machine Aaron, Gibson and Willie Mays from their primes. along as Brain-Dead Bobby at the helm, all this is moot. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Ask Babe: More questions for the Babe Jul 31, 2008
BABE NOTE: Donruss Americana is back for a second season with "Private Signings. Like its predecessor, it's packed with relic and autographed cards of entertainments celebrities, but there are a variety of sports figures included. Henry Aaron, Willie Mays and Jake LaMotta are three of the sets five "Headliners. The other two are former President George Bush and Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Best deal for Bay Area fans might be Sabean for Beane Jul 30, 2008
Or an hour to do the Taschner, Molina, Randy Winn and Dave Roberts (oops, sorry) deals, and still have time to find a buyer for Willie Mays. Instead, we get Beane backing up the 18-wheeler again to a warehouse already fairly well cleared, and Sabean holds his cards more tightly. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Pirates' comeback vs. Colorado, 6-4 Jul 30, 2008
"That catch he made, not many guys make that. He's been Mickey Mantle against us, with that ball in the river, and now he was Willie Mays. I believed in Nate McLouth before this, you know. I've seen him play. But he's impressed me even more.". Rivas has impressed, too, on a far smaller scale and generally just on those rare occasions when he gets his name on the lineup: His overall average is. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Local baseball product plays in nation’s oldest park Jul 29, 2008
His name, The Say Hey Kid , Willie Mays. Others to play at Rickwood Field includes Rube Marquard, country music singer Charlie Pride, and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. October , Reggie jackson. (Thomaston Times, GA)
Angels squeeze out Red Sox Jul 29, 2008
"That wasn't what happened last night, and it left the Sox at a loss again, on a night prime for gaining ground because the Rays and Yankees also lost."It would have been nice to pick up one," said Jacoby Ellsbury, who acknowledged he wasn't scoreboard watching. But Daisuke Matsuzaka, and a six-run sixth inning, made sure that wasn't going to happen, leaving the Sox in the same place they started yesterday morning - 1 game behind the Rays and two ahead of the Yankees in the American League... (Boston Globe -- Sports)
They're not in heaven, but these guys are right up there Jul 29, 2008
The others are Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Eddie Mathews, Mike Schmidt, and Rafael Palmeiro. It's pretty clear that the folks who buy tickets to Fenway are not eager to run Manny out of town. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Tigers pay tribute to Negro Leagues Jul 27, 2008
At certain points, the leagues featured future Major League stars Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and, of course, Jackie Robinson. "It's pretty amazing how it worked out," Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson said. (MLB.com -- Detroit Tigers)
Gossage elected for impact on game Jul 26, 2008
Gossage is one of 21 relievers to have recorded at least 300 career saves. (Ray Stubblebine/AP). (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Quiet bats cul0000287Eprit in fifth straight loss Jul 26, 2008
"It happened to Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Stan Musial. It happens to all of them.". The Cardinals have scored 11 runs during their losing streak and have not tallied more than three in any of the five games. (MLB.com -- St. Louis Cardinals)
The Cardinals Major League Notebook 07/26 Jul 26, 2008
"Hank Aaron, Willie Mays... the greatest... Stan Musial. It happened to all of them. It makes you appreciate how great he is. You don't see it too often.". The Cardinals, after losing four straight to Milwaukee, didn't arrive at their New York hotel until about 4:30 p.m., but La Russa said, "There wasn't anything wrong with the way we competed.". (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
FIVE ALL-TIME BRAWLS Jul 24, 2008
A 15-minute brawl ensued and ended when the Giants Willie Mays escorted Roseboro to safety. It remains one of the ugliest episodes in Major League history. (USA Today -- Sports)
Cifelli is voted MCALL's MVP Jul 24, 2008
While he may be a bit away from the likes of his two favorite players, Pete Rose and Willie Mays, Saidt would have enjoyed watching Ewing Post 314's Nick Cifelli play baseball. Last night at the Mercer County American Legion League's annual awards picnic, Cifelli took home the top honor of the night, the Harold "Bus" Saidt Most Valuable Player Award. (NJ.com -- Times)
Pine Tar Game nets no sticking points Jul 24, 2008
07/23/2008 2:58 PM ET Pine Tar Game holds no sticking points Brett, Gossage recall infamous contest on its silver anniversary By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com. The infamous Pine Tar Incident. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
Fans can vote for Shea's best moments Jul 23, 2008
In the 1970s, Shea watched Willie Mays make his Mets debut, and Pope John Paul II deliver a sermon in the rain. The Yankees and football's Giants also called Shea their home for parts of this decade, while the two teams awaited renovations and construction on their respective stadiums. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
So-longtoa realbaseball gentleman Jul 22, 2008
The late-'60s was a time when players like Carl Yastrzemski, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson and Bob Gibson reigned. But Murcer caught my attention for two reasons. (Elizabethtown Bladen Journal, NC)
Opportunity knocks at Johan's door Jul 21, 2008
In his first game in San Francisco after being traded to the Mets, Willie Mays hit his 650th career home run in the Mets' 3-1 victory in 1972. On this date in 1975, Joe Torre tied a Major League record by grounding into four double plays in a 4-2 loss to the Astros at Shea. (MLB.com -- NY Mets Mets)
Letters from readers Jul 20, 2008
As someone who believes any statement with the word "retire" in it also ends in a period, I think Favre is doomed to replace Willie Mays on the list of guys who should have either stayed retired or retired when the twilight of their careers was upon them. Brett, if you really want back in the game, do it in the broadcast booth where your legacy can remain undiminished. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
