Jack Michaels & Maury Wills
FARGO (KFGO) – L.A. Dodgers legendary shortstop and former FM Redhawks announcer Maury Wills passed away Monday evening at the age of 89.
Wills grew up in the projects of Washington, D.C. and dreamed of one day becoming like Jackie Robinson who broke the barrier for African Americans to play baseball. Wills would not only play baseball, he would go on to play for the same team as Robinson.
Wills played on World Series title teams in 1959, ’63 and ’65 during his first eight seasons with the Dodgers. He also played for Pittsburgh and Montreal before returning to the Dodgers. During his 14-year career, Wills batted .281 with 2,134 hits and 586 stolen bases. He was the National League MVP in 1962 and led the NL in stolen bases from 1960-65.
Wills also was involved with the RedHawks for two decades in a variety of capacities. He served as a coach and broadcaster, and hosted youth baseball camps. He also hosted the Maury Wills Museum at Newman Outdoor Field during that time.
KFAN Sports Director Jack Michaels, who became friends with Wills during their time together calling Redhawks baseball games, joined Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness on KFGO. Michaels shared memories of his time with Wills on the road and spoke of Wills’ character.
One such memory was when Wills, who struggled with alcoholism, spent a half hour with a woman who was in despair and considering going back to drinking again.
Michaels said Wills loved the Fargo-Moorhead area.
“Here’s a man who can’t walk around L.A. without drawing attention,” Michaels said. “[Maury] could just be a neighbor. He loved Fargo-Moorhead. Maury would say, ‘Jack, in Fargo people just treat me like an everyday citizen.”
Michaels said he had many stories about Wills, but the time on the road made the biggest difference to him.
“In our lifetime, we have a handful of people we come across that make an impact,” Michaels said. “Maury Wills was that for me and I’m sure Maury was that for many people.”
You can hear the full interview here:
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