Willie Mays

[Jcosta19]

Originally Posted by BobC

You should go back and see what other players missed out on due to WWII. Names like Feller and Spahn, and even Ted Williams. In fact, Williams was one of the few people to actively serve in both WWII and the Korean War. He effectively missed about 4 years of his career serving in the military.

I'm well aware of the WWII guys, Feller, Dimaggio, and especially Williams double service.

Williams in particular is mentioned often as having lost time to the wars often in boards, mainstream media etc. I personally just don't recall hearing Mays mentioned in the same way (not in my era anyway).

Was just surprised about that considering he was in striking distance of the all time HR record.

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[Casey2296]

One of my favorite cards, the image is art.
_

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

One of my favorite cards, the image is art.
_

It is a beautiful card. I am having a piece of artwork of that card being made now.

[doug.goodman]

A couple signed TTM cards, an m114 and a scored program for career HR #1

[GasHouseGang]

No one has posted this one yet.

[DeanH3]

Nice cards by all. I don't have many, but I'm always on the hunt. Sold a nice PSA 5 '53 Mays a while ago. Sure regret that decision.

[Snowman]

A few of my favorites:

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

One of my favorite cards, the image is art.
_

Wow that is one outstanding example. So hard to find centered that well.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Wow that is one outstanding example. So hard to find centered that well.

That ones been around a long time, the only card my dad and I ever bought together when I was a kid.

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by Jcosta19

I'm well aware of the WWII guys, Feller, Dimaggio, and especially Williams double service.

Williams in particular is mentioned often as having lost time to the wars often in boards, mainstream media etc. I personally just don't recall hearing Mays mentioned in the same way (not in my era anyway).

Was just surprised about that considering he was in striking distance of the all time HR record.

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I think folks are aware of it but you're right, from what I remember, that it's not mentioned as often as the Williams time lost due to service. And I always thought the almost universal conventional wisdom was that Mays was the all-time #2 greatest, just behind Ruth. Surprised to see that some folks didn't necessarily think that.

[GasHouseGang]

It just occurred to me that Willie Mays isn't in the 1953 Bowman set. Does anyone know why he wasn't included? He is in the 1952 Bowman and the 1954 Bowman. What happened in 1953?

[Jcosta19]

Originally Posted by GasHouseGang

It just occurred to me that Willie Mays isn't in the 1953 Bowman set. Does anyone know why he wasn't included? He is in the 1952 Bowman and the 1954 Bowman. What happened in 1953?

He didn't play in 53 because of Korean War. Probably that's why. Only played 22 games in 52 also.

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[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by Jcosta19

He didn't play in 53 because of Korean War. Probably that's why. Only played 22 games in 52 also.

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Okay, that makes sense.

[Exhibitman]

Ruth is clearly the GOAT the difference between his WAR and that of the next closest non-pitcher is more than the career WAR of quite a few HOFers. if you take it as just WAR as a position player, he and Bonds tie, with Mays and Cobb next tier down (about 10 wins lower); I wouldn't quibble with any of Bonds, Mays or Cobb being #3, though my gut is that Mays has the best argument among the three, given when he played and what he did not ingest. Aaron, my personal fave, is just enough below that tier to be out of the running for #2 but definitely in the top 5.

Thread needs a different card:

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Jcosta19

He didn't play in 53 because of Korean War. Probably that's why. Only played 22 games in 52 also.

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But he is in 1953 Topps so that doesn't explain it to me. Jackie isn't in 53 Bowman either.

[egri]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

But he is in 1953 Topps so that doesn't explain it to me. Jackie isn't in 53 Bowman either.

Maybe Mays had an exclusive contract with Topps that year, or Bowman couldn’t get a color photo to use since he was away?

[Jcosta19]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

I think folks are aware of it but you're right, from what I remember, that it's not mentioned as often as the Williams time lost due to service. And I always thought the almost universal conventional wisdom was that Mays was the all-time #2 greatest, just behind Ruth. Surprised to see that some folks didn't necessarily think that.

I think 2 is probably right because of his defense. But lots of prewar collectors like Cobb and put him higher.

And boy are Hank Aaron's offensive numbers hard to argue with.

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[BobC]

Originally Posted by Jcosta19

I'm well aware of the WWII guys, Feller, Dimaggio, and especially Williams double service.

Williams in particular is mentioned often as having lost time to the wars often in boards, mainstream media etc. I personally just don't recall hearing Mays mentioned in the same way (not in my era anyway).

Was just surprised about that considering he was in striking distance of the all time HR record.

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My bad then, wasn't sure you were aware of how many players had missed time for military service.