Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Willie Mays named 'history maker'

Willie Mays, a resident of Atherton since 1969 and considered by many the best all-around baseball player of all time, has been named the San Mateo County History Maker for 2012, according to Mitch Postel, president of the San Mateo County Historical Association.

Each year, the association honors an individual or family in San Mateo County for making a positive impact on history, locally and beyond.

The legendary Giants outfielder will be honored "for using his fame as one of the greatest athletes ever to help others in charitable and volunteer endeavors," Mr. Postel said.

Mr. Mays will join such past honorees as the Lane Family for improving Sunset magazine and establishing it in Menlo Park; Dr. Thomas J. Fogarty for medical advances and the Thomas Fogarty Winery; Gordon Moore, for founding Intel and for his philanthropic interests; and the Roth family for donating Filoli to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A dinner honoring Mr. Mays will be held at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood Shores on Thursday evening, Nov. 8. The event will include the premier showing of a film about Mr. Mays, plus "testimonials and surprises," Mr. Postel said.

Giants announcer Jon Miller is master of ceremonies. Giants stakeholder Charles Johnson and president Larry Baer are members of the honorary committee. Co-chairing the event are Jenny Johnson of Franklin Templeton Investments and Greg Munks, San Mateo County sheriff.

The dinner, which costs $175 a plate, is a fundraiser to help underwrite the operation of the association's three museums: the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City, the Woodside Store near Huddart Park, and the Sanchez Adobe in Pacifica.

Visit tinyurl.com/Mays-118 or call (650) 299-0104 for more information.