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Article: Willie Mays - the "Say Hey Kid" // Proclaimed himself the best ever Series: GREATEST ATHLETES OF THE CENTURY
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- July 17, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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A ball is hit to deep center field and almost at the crack of
the bat Willie Mays sets out in pursuit, scampering like a
flushed-out rabbit. His cap flies off his head. He wheels
simultaneously as the ball reaches the end of its flight, cups his
hands below his chest and cradles it as he might a fragile baby.
The crowd screams in delight, "Say Hey, Willie!"
Later he comes to bat and, with hysteria in the stands
heightening, with one mighty swing propels the ball out of the park.
"Oh, you Willie!" Another deafening roar.
Such, in thumbnail, is the baseball profile of the man many
diamond historians rate, if not actually the greatest all-around
player who ever put on a uniform, ...