On The Fly

In this episode, More Than Just Stats: The Enduring Impact of Willie Mays . . .   Welcome back to On the Fly! Today, we're dedicating this episode to a true giant of Baseball, the one and only Willie Mays, the "Say Hey Kid.” The passing of Willie Mays on June 18, 2024, has deeply saddened baseball fans everywhere. However, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To honor him, we can't discuss Willie Mays without acknowledging his fellow New York baseball legends, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. These three outfielders dominated the baseball scene in the 1950s and 60s, creating a golden age for baseball in New York City. We’re talkin’ baseball . . . Especially “Willie, Mickey & The Duke." As a young little league player, I vividly recall the day my mother purchased my first baseball bat. It was a special moment when we visited our local True Value Hardware store. There, we chose an “autographed” Mickey Mantle bat. This bat became more than just a piece of equipment; i...