He started his career with only one hit in his first 26 at-bats then tearfully asked his manager to send him back to the minors. Leo Durocher told him as long as he was in charge Willie was his center fielder. Mays relaxed and went on a hitting tear. Rookie of the Year in 1951.
I believe it was Durocher who said, after Willie’s first HR (which ended his rookie slump): “I’ve never seen a ——ing ball get out of a ——ing park so ——ing fast in my ——ing life!!”