Meaning: Willie Mays, a legendary professional baseball player, made this quote about the demanding schedule of playing professional baseball. The quote reflects Mays' dedication to the sport and his willingness to play a significant number of games each year, regardless of the exact number.

In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it's important to delve into the context of Mays' career and the nature of professional baseball during his era. Willie Mays, known as the "Say Hey Kid," had a remarkable career in Major League Baseball, playing primarily for the New York and San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. Mays was renowned for his exceptional skills in both batting and fielding, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

During Mays' era, professional baseball players often played an extensive number of games throughout the season. The Major League Baseball season typically consists of 162 games, and this demanding schedule requires a high level of physical and mental endurance from the players. Mays' quote reflects his experience of playing a rigorous schedule, emphasizing the commitment and resilience required to excel in professional baseball.

Mays' statement also highlights the mindset of a dedicated athlete who is willing to push through the physical and mental demands of playing numerous games each year. Professional athletes like Mays must maintain a high level of fitness and performance throughout the season, and the quote underscores the discipline and determination needed to succeed in such a demanding sport.

Furthermore, Mays' quote sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges that professional athletes face in order to pursue their passion and excel in their respective sports. Playing 150 games or more in a season requires a significant amount of time and energy, often leading to physical fatigue and mental strain. Mays' willingness to embrace this demanding schedule reflects his deep love for the sport and his unwavering commitment to his team and fans.

In addition to the physical and mental demands, the quote also hints at the variability of the number of games played in a season. Mays' acknowledgment that the number of games played "depends on how many games there was" underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports schedules. Factors such as rainouts, rescheduled games, and postseason play can impact the total number of games in a season, adding another layer of complexity to the athlete's experience.

Overall, Mays' quote encapsulates the dedication, perseverance, and resilience required to succeed as a professional athlete, particularly in the challenging and demanding world of Major League Baseball. It serves as a reminder of the extraordinary commitment and sacrifices made by athletes like Mays to achieve greatness in their sport.