Major League Baseball

MLB honors Mays in Civil Rights Weekend

Published May. 15, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Willie Mays says it was all worth it.

The Hall of Fame outfielder was honored with one of Major League Baseball's Beacon awards on Saturday as part of its annual Civil Rights weekend. Mays recalled at a luncheon that he experienced prejudice when he broke into the big leagues.

Mays says when he was called a name or got thrown at, he'd respond by hitting the ball farther.

Tennis player Billie Jean King and entertainer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte also received Beacon awards for their work toward equality. King told the audience that ``social change is really about doing the right thing, even if it isn't popular.''

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball