At ten I was playing against 18-year-old guys. At 15 I was playing professional ball with the Birmingham Black Barons, so I really came very quickly in all sports.

Quote by Willie Mays

Topics: Willie Mays Quotes

I was very blessed with a good body. Never got hurt. Never was in the...

I was very blessed with a good body. Never got hurt. Never was in the...

I was very fortunate to play sports. All the anger in me went out. I...

I was very fortunate to play sports. All the anger in me went out. I...

People talk about that catch and, I've said this many times, that I've made better...

People talk about that catch and, I've said this many times, that I've made better...

And my father didn't have money for me to go to college. And at that...

And my father didn't have money for me to go to college. And at that...

When I was in Birmingham I used to go to a place called Redwood Field....

When I was in Birmingham I used to go to a place called Redwood Field....

Maybe I was born to play ball. Maybe I truly was.

Maybe I was born to play ball. Maybe I truly was.

I'm a very lucky guy. I had so many people help me over the years...

I'm a very lucky guy. I had so many people help me over the years...

It's not hard. When I'm not hitting, I don't hit nobody. But when I'm hitting,...

It's not hard. When I'm not hitting, I don't hit nobody. But when I'm hitting,...

When I got to professional ball I used to play 150 games every year. It...

When I got to professional ball I used to play 150 games every year. It...

I don't mean to be bashful, but I was.

I don't mean to be bashful, but I was.

I don't compare 'em, I just catch 'em.

I don't compare 'em, I just catch 'em.

In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must...

In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must...

I was a baseball player, I taught baseball, and all of a sudden I was...

I was a baseball player, I taught baseball, and all of a sudden I was...

I didn't say I was that smart, I said I went to class and I...

I didn't say I was that smart, I said I went to class and I...

Baseball is a game, yes. It is also a business. But what is most truly...

Baseball is a game, yes. It is also a business. But what is most truly...

I would try and help everybody, because the game was so easy for me. It...

I would try and help everybody, because the game was so easy for me. It...

I played with the Birmingham Black Barons. I was making 500 at 14. That was...

I played with the Birmingham Black Barons. I was making 500 at 14. That was...

That's how easy baseball was for me. I'm not trying to brag or anything, but...

That's how easy baseball was for me. I'm not trying to brag or anything, but...

Yes, I had to learn how to live life outside, but I had so many...

Yes, I had to learn how to live life outside, but I had so many...

Robinson was important to all blacks. To make it into the majors and to take...

Robinson was important to all blacks. To make it into the majors and to take...