Happy Birthday to the Say Hey Kid

Willie Mays turned 80 years old today. No one who has ever played the game was a better all around player. No one. And it is doubtful that in this greedy day and age that anyone will ever come close to greatness and grace that Mays exuded both on and off the field. In the early 1980's my wife was selling shoes at a little storefront in Las Vegas when a woman came in and asked to see some mens shoes. She brought them out and then the woman rather sheepishly asked if she could take them to the car and have her husband try them on. Seems he was a little shy. My wife, selling on commission said of course. And as she watched it finally dawned on her. Willie Mays was outside trying on shoes. A public star, but in real life, a shy private man. My wife got his autograph for me, which I cherish to this day. Willie, may you receive double the blessings today on your day, for all the joy you have brought into the lives of countless others. Happy Birthday.