"In 1950, when the Giants signed me, they gave me $15,000. I bought a 1950 Mercury. I couldn't drive, but I had it in the parking lot there, and everybody that could drive would drive the car. So it was like a community thing"

This quote by Willie Mays speaks to the sense of neighborhood and sociability that was present in the early days of baseball. In 1950, when the Giants signed Mays, they provided him a generous finalizing perk of $15,000. With this money, Mays bought a 1950 Mercury, despite the fact that he could not drive. This car ended up being a sign of the group's unity, as everyone who might drive would take turns driving it. This quote speaks to the strong sense of community that existed in the early days of baseball, and how the gamers were willing to share and help each other out. It likewise speaks with the kindness of the Giants company, who wanted to offer Mays a large signing bonus offer to assist him get going in his profession.