Actress Tallulah Bankhead said, “There are only two authentic geniuses in the world, Willie Shakespeare and Willie Mays.” She might have been onto something.

From left: Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda and Jose Pagan survey the enemy’s den of Dodger Stadium in 1962.

Mays’ feats on the diamond—particularly in the outfield—were otherworldly. At a time before social media and 24/7 highlight video snippets, the Say Hey Kid’s feats still broke through the clutter. The man played for 22 seasons, from 1950 to 1973 (five presidential administrations) and amassed 3,283 hits, 660 home runs and a career .302 average. Staggering. For Giants fans, it’s not lost that talented teammates surrounded Mays through the years, including Orlando Cepeda and Jose Pagan. I love this 1962 image from the playoffs versus the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. It’s a reminder of one of the best rivalries in professional sports. The current Giants squad, led by our cover star, manager Gabe Kapler, ventured to L.A. in June and accomplished something they hadn’t done in two decades: swept the Dodgers at home. Clayton Kershaw and his Dodger teammates return to Oracle Park to seek revenge later this season (Sep. 29-Oct. 1). Tickets, mlb.com/giants