June 7, 1963 - Willie Mays’ nap off second base last night cost the San Francisco Giants’ star center fielder $25, the first fine under a new system initiated by the defending National League champions. Ironically, Mays was a member of the three-player panel assessing the fine. The other two members are Jim Davenport and Billy Pierce. In the 10th inning against the Chicago Cubs, with the bases loaded and one out, Lindy McDaniel picked Willie off second and then struck out Ed Bailey to retire the side. McDaniel led off with a homer off Billy Pierce to open the Cubs’ 10th and win the game, 3-2. “I made a bad play, that’s what happened,” said Mays. “I got myself picked off. I wasn’t trying to go anywhere or draw a throw, not with the bases loaded.” The new $25 system of fining was instituted by Manager Alvin Dark and the Giants just before Thursday’s game, following a series of boo-boos in recent games. Previously, the manager had assessed fines to be paid in golf balls.
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