Who knew. Willie Mays started out his career in a 1-26 funk. Even the greats can start their careers with a rough ride. But obviously that didn’t last long, as Mays became perhaps the most complete player that baseball has ever seen. In Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend, James S. Hirsch gives readers a spirited account of what it was like to watch Willie Mays play, of what it was to be Willie Mays on the field.

Everyone knows of “The Catch”, but a whole chapter of the book gives readers insight into the whole event. When manager Leo Durocher was asked after the game if that was the greatest catch he had ever seen, Durocher responded harshly. “What the f— are you talking about? Willie makes f——catches like that every day. Do you keep your f—— eyes open in the press box?” Durocher was a staunch defender of Mays and called him the “greatest player I ever laid eyes on.”

For fans of my era, it’s important to read a book like this to understand the in depth the greatness of Mays. Hirsch has made this an enjoyable endeavor with his biography of “The Say Hey Kid”.  Here is an interview with Hirsch about his book.

Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend

John Daly looks a lot different in this recent photo. Big John says he has lost 116 pounds, and his new reality show “Being John Daly” will premiere on the Golf Channel on March 2nd. The show focuses in part on Daly’s attempts to get his life back together. Looks as if he is off to a tremendous start. Good for you, John!

Check out this video of John practicing recently. Dig the glowing outfit! You might not know it’s him until you see that classic backswing.

You know why I included Jim Mora? Because he was dead last. The Bears won their last 2 games and Lovie pulled a 23% approval. Wow.

“Family Feud” is one of the greatest gameshows in history. You don’t like the Feud? You’re un-American. The Patriot Act exists because of people like you. Don’t hate, celebrate. It’s Great Moments in Family Feud History.

tip of the hat to my guy BA!