Ted Williams once said the All Star Game was invented for Willie Mays. We all understand why. In 24 games, Mays batted .307 (23 hits, 75 AB) with 2 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 6 stolen bases. He won the 1963 All-Star MVP award in the second year of its existence after he scored twice, swiped two bases, knocked in two runs, and twice tangled with Cleveland Municipal’s chain link fence to record catches in center. He’d go on to win another MVP in 1968.
During the 60’s and early 70’s, the award became synonymous with the San Francisco Giants.