|
Willie
Jun 18, 2024 21:49:04 GMT -5
via mobile
jpr likes this
Post by Super on Jun 18, 2024 21:49:04 GMT -5
In my estimation, the GOAT of Major League Baseball. RIP to the Say Hey Kid! My first baseball game in 1954 vs Phillies at the Polo Grounds. Willie signed a ball hit into the stands during batting practice. I’ll never forget his infectious smile.
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 19, 2024 6:33:50 GMT -5
Post by Cjb on Jun 19, 2024 6:33:50 GMT -5
I saw him as a SF Giant at the Polo Grounds and in the early days of Shea. We would go to the (Met) games especially if the Giants or Dodgers were in town and I was too young to understand why a lot of the fans were cheering for the visiting teams. RIP Say Hey Kid.
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 19, 2024 6:38:19 GMT -5
Post by ic59 on Jun 19, 2024 6:38:19 GMT -5
Super, agree with your entire post. Also, saw my first MLB game at the Polo Grounds, back in the 40's. A couple of things that the average fan might not know. Center Field at the PG was massive, and made for an athletic CF like Willie. Only wish they had SC back then. When he first arrived in NY (1951?) he really struggled and after about a week he was sent back to the minors. Two weeks later he returned and as they say the rest is history.
May he RIP.
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 19, 2024 7:23:26 GMT -5
via mobile
ic59 likes this
Post by Super on Jun 19, 2024 7:23:26 GMT -5
Lost 2 years of his career because he was drafted into the army. Served his time in Ft Eustis, VA, playing baseball. I did a 2 month stint there and played with the base team in their pre-season. He lost 2 years of stats which might have put him above Aaron. Playing at Candlestick also hurt his statistics. That was a dreary, windy location.
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 20, 2024 12:45:09 GMT -5
Post by ic59 on Jun 20, 2024 12:45:09 GMT -5
Lost 2 years of his career because he was drafted into the army. Served his time in Ft Eustis, VA, playing baseball. I did a 2 month stint there and played with the base team in their pre-season. He lost 2 years of stats which might have put him above Aaron. Playing at Candlestick also hurt his statistics. That was a dreary, windy location. Saw this when you posted but forgot to ask you, as you said you played BB while in the Army. Did you play at Iona, and if so which position, along with a brief scouting report?
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 21, 2024 6:03:54 GMT -5
Post by Super on Jun 21, 2024 6:03:54 GMT -5
On the freshman team with JB as coach. Early on had a serious kidney injury as a result of a collision with the shortstop who ignored my calling for a popup in left center field. That prevented me from participating in athletics for a few years. Center field/relief pitcher. Decent singles/doubles hitter who liked going to right field. Trouble with the curve ball.
|
|
|
Willie
Jun 21, 2024 6:30:21 GMT -5
Post by ic59 on Jun 21, 2024 6:30:21 GMT -5
Super, super report. When you think about it, it is the story of what might have been (for so many) if injuries hadn't played a role. Never had that problem, since I've been short all my life (pun intended), so I stuck with just watching and following sports.
|
|