Willie Mays Returns To the New York Giants

On Jan. 13, 1954, the New York Giants received some great news. Willie Mays was being discharged from the duties involved in defending freedom three months earlier than expected.

An army spokesperson explained that freedom defenders who held professional contracts or who wanted to return to college qualified for early release under a selective service rule that covered such situations.

Willie received his freedom at the beginning of March. He had spent 21 months in the army. Stationed at Ft. Eustis, the New York Giants center fielder played two seasons of service baseball where he, as usual, excelled.

In 1952, Mays batted a gaudy .420. His batting average and outstanding pl...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - San Francisco Giants
Article is property of BleacherReport.com