Two Center Fielders Talking Ball. One is Willie Mays. — Kevin Pillar

Center fielder Kevin Pillar, who arrived from the Toronto Blue Jays in early April, knew that Willie Mays often hung out in the clubhouse manager’s office before games. Teammates told him Willie likes to talk to guys about baseball. So on Monday night before the Dodgers game, Pillar met the Greatest of All Time.

At one point in their conversation, Willie asked to see Pillar’s glove. Pillar fetched it and Mays immediately put it on. The two center fielders talked about how they wore their gloves — index finger in or out? — and how they broke them in. Willie said part of his method was wrapping two balls in the pocket and submerging it in water. He told Pillar if he got a new glove he’d take it home and break in it in for him. They compared grips on the ball for maximum control and distance.

“He’s a living legend. Best whoever played the position. When I heard he was here, I got up and just went in there. Everybody said the only tough part is finding him when there aren’t a bunch of people in there, but no one else was in there (except his assistant, Rene).

“When he asked me to get my glove, it gave me the opportunity to get my Willie Mays Bobblehead. I got it signed, plus a ball. I’ll display them in the trophy room at home.

“The glove I use is a lot different from the gloves they used when he played. The way they broke in their gloves is different. It’s so cool to be able to say that Willie Mays put my glove on. Willie Mays’ hand was in my glove.

“Basically I just kind of wanted to introduce myself to him, and hopefully I’ll be able to pick his brain a little more, share some stories — mostly him sharing stories with me!

“Really, just kind of to be with him in that fraternity of San Francisco Giants outfielders, that’s a cool thing. Hopefully that’s just the tip of the iceberg of conversations we’ll have while I’m here.’’