Willie Mays Hits a Home Run at Granger’s Thrift City Opening

Willie Mays Wins Over Granger”

The Day Baseball’s Brightest Star Visited Utah’s Thrift City

When Willie Mays walked into the brand-new Thrift City in Granger, Utah, the excitement was electric. A delighted child squealed, “Here comes Willie!” — and the famous center fielder, known for his dazzling smile and effortless charm, couldn’t help but grin back. Though Mays had admitted moments earlier that he didn’t much enjoy public appearances, the sound of young fans calling his name instantly melted his reserve.

Mays had come to Utah with Alvin (Al) Dark, manager of the San Francisco Giants, for the grand opening celebration of the sprawling new Thrift City discount department store on 3500 South and 4000 West. Both men were not only celebrity guests but also part of the group of investors who helped finance the million-dollar retail development through GH, Inc.

Throughout the day, Mays and Dark signed autographs and talked with hundreds of children who crowded the aisles, eager to meet the baseball greats in person. “I love kids,” Mays told reporters. “There’s nothing better than spending time with them — though I worry some get disappointed at large crowds.” For most, however, this was a day they would never forget.

Asked about his own childhood hero, Mays didn’t hesitate: “Joe DiMaggio was a great player,” he said. “I always tried to be a good performer when I was young.” At just 31 years old, Mays was already one of the most beloved figures in the game, known not just for his home runs and spectacular catches, but for his infectious energy and love of baseball. “I’m only 31,” he quipped when asked about retirement. “Let’s not worry about that yet.”

Though he had visited Salt Lake City before for spring exhibition games at Derks Field, this was his first real chance to meet Utahns off the diamond. By the end of the day, one thing was clear — the city adored him. The grinning fans, the long lines for autographs, and the laughter echoing through the store made the grand opening of Thrift City as memorable for its baseball heroes as for its bargain shopping.

For one Saturday in November 1962, Willie Mays turned Granger into the happiest baseball moment in Utah!