Mays Was One of the Best - But Is He Worth $1700?!

[william_9]

With Willie, every encounter makes for a fantastically sad story.

My first was equally as memorable. In '99 my friend and I attended the induction ceremony and decided to pony up the cash to meet THE Willie Mays. We had our tickets in hand since that morning. Couldn't believe we were actually going to meet him, it was awesome. Signing time rolls around, we get our baseballs signed, I stick my hand out to shake hands with the legend himself. He stares me down, sizes me up, leaves me standing there for about four beats before he finally throws that paw out over the table. I'll never forget this. His finger nails were manicured and polished, and, this actually shocked me, he had the softest hands I've ever felt. Big as a bear and soft as a peach. Reminded me of the scene from Jaws when Quint comments to Hooper that he's got "city hands, been counting money all your life". Should have asked him to tie a sheepshank.