Willie Mays loves what he sees in Derek Jeter the person as much as the ballplayer. He couldn’t think of anyone better to move past him into 10th place on all-time hits list.
“What I noticed is that he is a very, very nice person, not just the ballplayer, he’s a good person and that’s what really comes across when you meet him,’’ Mays, the greatest living ballplayer, told The Post yesterday. “He puts his team first, that’s the way I played the game. There are some guys who don’t do that. Derek knows how to play the game. He makes the players around him better.’’
With the Say Hey Kid’s blessing, Jeter moved past the iconic Mays last night with a fifth-inning single that squirted by second baseman Elliot Johnson in the Yankees ugly 6-4 loss to the Rays in The Bronx. The hobbled Jeter also singled in the eighth, giving the designated hitter two hits on the night, pushing him to 3,285 hits — two more than Mays.
Mays showed his class by telling me before the game: “When you see Derek, make sure you tell him good luck from me.’’
The Say Hey Kid said Derek, get it done. That’s pretty cool.
Said Jeter of the fifth-inning standing ovation and moving past Mays: “It’s pretty special.’’
Mays does not live in the past. He knows his great numbers will be passed by other great players and is well aware that Alex Rodriguez is closing in on him for fourth place on the all-time home run list.
Mays owns 660 home runs. Rodriguez is fifth with 647 after blasting a two-run rocket in the eighth. Mays did point out how special it is to be among the game’s all-time leaders in many different categories. He is third in total bases and seventh in career runs. He was the total player.
At the age of 81 he is as sharp as when he began his career with the New York Giants in 1951. He has a special place in his heart for New York City. In 1972, the Giants traded him to the Mets, where he finished his career.
“I get back to New York quite often, but I don’t broadcast it,’’ Mays said with a chuckle.
Mays played 22 years in the majors. Jeter is in his 18th season with the Yankees.
Mays does not compare players, so don’t bother asking him how Jeter compares with the great players from his era.
“That’s your job, not mine,’’ Mays said.
While Mays pointed out that he hasn’t seen Jeter on a daily basis, he did put together this scouting report: “He’s not a home run hitter, but he can hit you a big home run. He hits behind the runner, he runs the bases well. He’s a good shortstop who will make the play, he’s just an all-around player and a smart player. To do what he’s done you have to have longevity in the game. The same as I did.’’
The two men have met about four times. Mays talked about sitting with Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr. for a television interview at the All-Star Game in San Francisco in 2007. Both Mays and Jeter thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Jeter said it was such a privilege to talk to Mays.
“Willie has always been very, very nice to me, and I always appreciated that,’’ Jeter said. “At this stage, every player you pass is special, all Hall of Fame players.’’
For Jeter, Eddie Collins is next at 3,313 hits.
Mays is so impressed with Jeter that he has a photo taken with him during the World Baseball Classic hanging in a prominent place in his home. Mays said when visitors come to his home: “I like showing that picture.’’
Before last night’s game, when Jeter was told Mays had wished him luck, the shortstop flashed his million dollar smile and said: “That’s great, tell him thank you.’’
In so many ways, Derek Jeter knows there is no better baseball company than the one and only Willie Mays.