Big money at the time

Willie Mays, the greatest player of his generation, signs baseball’s biggest contract 62 years ago today as the center fielder re-ups with the San Francisco Giants for $105,000.

Mays, born a generation too soon from a financial perspective, never gets to rake in the truly ridiculous money that eventually comes with free agency.

His total career earnings as a player from 1951-73 are just over $1.8 million.

Exactly 50 years to the day of Mays’ deal in 1964 for $105,000 – equal to just under $1.1 million in today’s money – the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014 give pitcher Clayton Kershaw a seven-year contract worth $215 million, making his average salary $30.7 million per season.

Looking for more to read? More than 3,100 archived posts may be found at Blog 3 — Baseball (and other cool stuff) … Enjoy!