STL All Sports

Although wonderful Willie Mays was the most spectacular and perhaps the greatest center fielder in major league history, he also was one of the most modest and good-natured ballplayers who ever lived. The only time during his fabulous career that the sweet-tempered "Say, Hey Kid" came close to being nasty to another player happened years ago when the San Francisco Giants' right fielder was the bragging Don Mueller.

One day, Mays and Mueller became involved in a sharp argument over a particular outfield catch. Mueller argued that right field was much tougher to play than center. He emphasized the slanted walls and the tough rebounds in right, and compared this with the freedom of movement enjoyed by a center fielder.

"Believe me, Willie, you've got it pretty soft in center. You ought to try playing right field," argued Mueller.

"I'm doing it now every day," said Mays, ending the debate.