In the new book "24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid," co-written with Mays, the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea talks to players, executives and broadcasters who were around Mays and believe he lost dozens of homers to the ballparks and elements. Orlando Cepeda told Shea that Mays could have hit 750 homers in more hitter-friendly conditions. Hall of Fame writer Bob Stevens said, "In any other ballpark, Willie would have hit 800 home runs." Hall of Fame broadcaster Lon Simmons said Mays would have broken Ruth's record (714) had he played somewhere other than Candlestick.
And it is a fucking TRAVESTY Bonds is not in the Hall.
Don't forget that when the Giants were in New York the Polo Grounds was also the hardest park to hit a Homer in.
The Boston Redsox had a chance to sign Mays before the Giants but passed because of his race.
Had they not been stupid the outfield would have been Dom DiMaggio Ted Williams and Willie Mays.
They would have dominated baseball probably won more series than the Yankees and Mays could have easily hit 800 hone runs.
I met Mays when he was standing outside a lady's room waiting for his wife. We talked for about 10 minutes. What a great guy.
