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I always liked him - though I haven’t watched him play in years.

I loved Willie Mays. My Dad used to hit cleanup behind him w/ the Giants on occasion. Ended up trade bait/PH status and just quit - making $5,500/year. There were 2 jobs open - RF and 1B, and he could play both. The two guys that beat him out have statues outside of whatever park it is in San Fran. McCovey and Cepeda.

My Grandmother made my Dad bring an apple pie on a plane when he made the bigs and give it to Willie. He said it was the best he ever tasted. I think he said that to all the rookie Moms. She eventually got a kiss on the cheek from him, which was a highlight of her life.

Back to Albert - I met him in Jupiter when he was still w/ the Cards. He’s as real as it gets in today’s sports world. Engaging and inquisitive is what I took away. I even told him about my Dad and he just shook his head at what they made back then.