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
When I was in Birmingham I used to go to a place called Redwood Field. I used to get there for a two oclock game. Where can you make this kind of money playing sports? It was just a pleasure to go out and enjoy myself and get paid for it. – 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
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