No doubt once again Bonds will be the talk of the town in San Francisco. But 50 years ago Willie Mays was. Art Spander has recently penned an informative article about Willie's life in San Francisco which begins:
ANNIVERSARIES are not always pleasant. Fifty years ago Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle ran this headline: "Willie Mays is refused S.F. House ó Negro."
The racial term is now unacceptable. Half a century ago, in a city called one of the most liberal, diverse and open-minded in America, a great baseball player found himself unacceptable.
"It was a very conservative place in those days," Gary Shemano said of his hometown ... (My note: It certainly is not any more)
Art ends with the poetic justice of "Willie would be voted best player of the second half of the 20th century. Performing well was his best revenge."
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_7468800
What do you think they'll be saying about Bonds 50 year from now?
Anniversaries are not always pleasant: Mays 50 ago -
Moderator: Padres
