When Willie Mays announced his retirement in 1973, the Mets showered him with gifts — three new cars, round-the-world trips, stereos and hundreds of albums (kids, ask your parents), golf clubs, a mink coat for his wife and, as God is my witness, a giant salami.
When the Cardinals retired manager Tony La Russa’s No. 10 in 2012, they gave him a framed jersey and a gold plated fungo bat.
When the Yankees gave a day for Mickey Mantle in 1965, the guest of honor received a car, two quarter horses and trips to Rome, Nassau and Puerto Rico.