A new HBO film, 'Say Hey, Willie Mays!' explains his influence as a Black superstar accepted by American audiences
were crucial, since they proved that white America was willing to embrace a Black cultural figure in their living rooms—on television, at least.
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Mays the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “A few years ago, Willie rode with me on Air Force One,” Obamaat the White House ceremony that day. “I told him then what I’ll tell all of you now—it’s because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for President.”
The film also explores how he mentored Latin American players on the Giants, paving the way for waves of Latin players to grow comfortable in the United States and thrive in Major League Baseball. Mays played Winter Ball in Cuba and Puerto Rico in the early 1950s. Orlando Cepeda served as a batboy for Mays’ team in Puerto Rico.
The film falls short, however, in taking the PED issue head-on. Bonds is not seen addressing his own suspected PED use, which is relevant to the documentary, since the film spends so much time on the Mays-Bonds dynamic. And while the film makes clear that Mays supports his godson’s Hall of Fame candidacy, Mays does not discuss his own view on Bonds and steroids.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leeds councillors demand action after Royal Mail staff say that letters are being 'left to rot'A dozen Leeds councillors have signed a letter to the chief executive of Royal Mail demanding action after complaints from staff that important letters were being “left to rot”.
Read more »
'Victory' as campaigners say three libraries have been savedIt comes after protesters gathered outside of Loxley House in a last-ditch attempt to make their views heard
Read more »
Neighbours say 130 homes planned next to school field 'not wanted'A 130-home development could be built on alongside playing fields
Read more »
Horrified Aldi shoppers say popular 65p sauce 'tastes like mud'Some Aldi shoppers say the sauce tasted so bad they had to throw away their dinner
Read more »
Fan say another I'm A Celebrity campmate is 'missing'Viewers say the star hasn't been seen recently
Read more »
The Blackburn playground that parents say is 'not fit for purpose'Residents say Feni Rec is the only place for kids to play for miles around
Read more »