At ten I was playing against 18-year-old guys. At 15 I was playing professional ball with the Birmingham Black Barons, so I really came very quickly in all sports. – Willie Mays
In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept destructive criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you wont be able to do this. – Willie Mays
In 1950, when the Giants signed me, they gave me $15,000. I bought a 1950 Mercury. I couldnt drive, but I had it in the parking lot there, and everybody that could drive would drive the car. So it was like a community thing. – Willie Mays
Thats how easy baseball was for me. Im not trying to brag or anything, but I had the knowledge before I became a professional baseball player to do all these things and know what each guy would hit. – Willie Mays