Willie Mays

On this date in 1951, after going 0 for 12 since his debut, Giants rookie Willie Mays gets his first major league hit, a 450-foot home run off Warren Spahn of the Braves.

"For the first 60 feet, that was a helluva pitch." - Warren Spahn 

Willie Mays

Born on today's date, Willie Mays.

 "His motions are so smooth, I even get a kick out of the way he puts on his cleats." - Bill Rigney

Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1947, Jackie Robison makes his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers becoming the first African-American to play in the major leagues in the 20th Century.

"Every time I look in my pocketbook, I see Jackie Robinson." - Willie Mays

Willie Mays

On this date in 1979, Willie Mays is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"As a batter, his only weakness is a wild pitch." - Bill Rigney

Tito Fuentes

Born on today's date, Tito Fuentes.

"I hope Tito Fuentes, our shortstop, uses the big glove I bought him instead of that little Mickey Mouse one he used last year that sometimes let the ball go by." - Willie Mays

Willie Mays

On this date in 1965, Willie Mays is named the NL MVP after hitting .312 with 52 home runs and 112 rbis.

"When I'm not hitting, I don't hit nobody. But when I'm hitting, I hit anybody."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1954, Willie Mays makes his famous running catch of a hit off the bat of Vic Wertz in Game One of the World Series.

"I had it all the way."

Bobby Bonds

On this date in 2003, Bobby Bonds passed away at age 57.

"They said I was supposed to be the next Willie Mays. I probably had more success than anyone they ever put that label on."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1973 at Shea Stadium, 42-year old Willie Mays hits his 660th and final home run of his career off Don Gullet in a 2-1 Mets loss to the Reds.

"I think I was the best player I ever saw."

Willie Mays

On today's date in 1979, Willie Mays is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"When Willie was in California, whites refused to sell him a home in their community. They loved his talent, but they didn't want him for a neighbor." - Jackie Robinson

Lou Brock

Born on today's date, Lou Brock.

"I arrived early because I didn't want to be seen as 'big time'. The last thing I wanted was to arrive when Willie Mays was arriving. I was young and did not want to show disrespect. The game started at 3:00 pm, so I got to the stadium at about 9:00 am that morning. I was the only one in the clubhouse except the young man clubhouse attendant they had there. I decided, being an All Star, that I could be a little 'big time' and I beckoned the kid over and asked him if he would get me a Coca-Cola. The young man returned with my Coca-Cola and then introduced himself, 'Hi, I'm Tom Seaver.' He made me pay for that Coke for about 14 seasons."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1970, Willi Mays hits his 500th career home run.

"When Willie was in California, whites refused to sell him a house in their community. They loved his talent, but they didn't want him for a neighbor." - Jackie Robinson 

Willie Mays

On this date in 1951, after going 0 for 12 since his debut, Giants rookie Willie Mays gets his first major league hit, a 450-foot home run off Warren Spahn of the Braves.

"For the first 60 feet, that was a helluva pitch." - Warren Spahn

Willie Mays

Born on this date, Willie Mays.

"I don't compare 'em. I just catch 'em."

Well his heart was in the right place!

Willie Mays

On this date in 1979, Willie Mays is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"His motions are so smooth, I even get a kick out of the way he puts on his cleats."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1965, Willie Mays is named the NL MVP after hitting .312 with 52 home runs and 112 rbis.

"As a batter, his only weakness is a wild pitch." - Bill Rigney

Bobby Bonds

On this date in 2003, Bobby Bonds passed away at age 57.

"They said I was supposed to be the next Willie Mays. I probably had more success than anyone they ever put that label on."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1973, Willie Mays hits his 660th and final home run off Don Gullett in a 2-1 Mets loss to the Reds.

"I think I was the best player I ever saw."

Willie Mays

On this date in 1970, Willie Mays hits a single off Mike Wegener of the Expos for his 3000th hit.

"When I'm not hitting, I don't hit nobody. But when I'm hitting, I hit anybody."