Back in Time: February 20

SI Staff | Feb 23, 2009

Back in Time: February 20

Willie Mays

John G. Zimmerman/SI

After leading the Giants to the pennant the previous season, Willie Mays signs a $100,000 contract to become the league's highest paid player.

Gordie Howe

Neil Leifer/SI

Gordie Howe comes out of retirement to play for the Houston Aeros with his two sons.

Pedro Guerrero

Richard Mackson/SI

Pedro Guerrero becomes the highest paid Dodger when he signs a five-year, $7 million contract to play in Los Angeles.

Billy Smith

Paul Bereswill/SI

The New York Islanders retire Billy Smith's No. 31 jersey.

Mark Jackson

AP

During the Raptors 113-102 win over Golden State, Toronto's Mark Jackson records 12 assists to move past Isiah Thomas and into fourth place on the NBA's all-time assists list.

Garth Brooks

AP

Garth Brooks (left, with Mike Piazza) begins spring training with the New York Mets.

Born on this Day

John W. McDonough/SI

Roger Penske (1937) <br>Charles Barkley (1963) <br>Christian Ruuttu (1964) <br>Tom Waddle (1967) <br>Broderick Thomas (1967) <br>Tommy Vardell (1969) <br>Brent Gretzky, (1972) <br>Brendan Witt (1975) <br>Stephon Marbury (1977) <br>Justin Verlander (1983)