This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, May 11, 1972

Mets trade for Willie Mays

After 20 seasons with the Giants, Willie Mays was traded to the Mets, returning to the city where his major-league career began. The 41-year-old was dealt for righthander Charlie Williams and $50,000. Giants ownership couldn't assure Mays of an income after his career ended and the Mets promised him a coaching position upon retirement. The future Hall of Famer was past his prime but remained an icon in New York, where he'd spent the first six years of his career before the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958. In his debut with the Mets on May 14, Mays batted leadoff, played first base and went 1-for-2 with a fifth-inning homer (his 647th) in the Mets' 5-4 win over the Giants at Shea Stadium. Mays hit just .238 with 14 homers in 135 games as a Met, but did help them reach the 1973 World Series before retiring.