Manager for a day

Willie Mays, left, with Mets manager Yogi Berra

Two years before Frank Robinson officially becomes the major leagues’ first Black manager with Cleveland in 1975, Willie Mays fills the same role for the New York Mets 53 years ago today.

Subbing for manager Yogi Berra, Mays leads the Mets to an 8-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates during an exhibition game in Puerto Rico.

The 1973 season will be the last of Mays’ Hall of Fame career.

While he spends part of his post-playing career as a guest instructor for the Mets, Mays never manages in the majors or minors.

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