24 - by Willie Mays & John Shea

Book Synopsis

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE BESTSELLER

The legendary Willie Mays shares the inspirations and influences responsible for guiding him on and off the field in this reflective and inspirational memoir.

Even if, like me, you thought you had pretty much read and heard all there was to read and hear about Willie Mays, this warmhearted book will inform and reward you. And besides, what true baseball fan can ever get enough of Willie Mays? Say Hey! Read on and enjoy. --From the Foreword by Bob Costas

"It's because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for President." --President Barack Obama

Widely regarded as the greatest all-around player in baseball history because of his unparalleled hitting, defense and baserunning, the beloved Willie Mays offers people of all ages his lifetime of experience meeting challenges with positivity, integrity and triumph in 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid.

Presented in 24 chapters to correspond with his universally recognized uniform number, Willie's memoir provides more than the story of his role in America's pastime. This is the story of a man who values family and community, engages in charitable causes especially involving children and follows a philosophy that encourages hope, hard work and the fulfillment of dreams.

"I was very lucky when I was a child. My family took care of me and made sure I was in early at night. I didn't get in trouble. My father made sure that I didn't do the wrong thing. I've always had a special place in my heart for children and their well-being, and John Shea and I got the idea that we should do something for the kids and the fathers and the mothers, and that's why this book is being published. We want to reach out to all generations and backgrounds. Hopefully, these stories and lessons will inspire people in a positive way." --Willie Mays

Review Quotes

Praise for 24:

His new memoir will remind fans of why we love baseball so much, and also, now, of why we miss it. --Tyler Kepner, The New York Times

...the nostalgic 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid is a welcome treat. It's also a salute to what the game used to be, not only before the pandemic but before it got too big. Back when it was a game played for the love of it, by guys who still lived in the neighborhood. --Jacqueline Cutler, New York Daily News

Eloquent and inspirational, Mays' words serve as a glue for the text, bringing readers inside the clubhouse at pivotal moments and revealing Mays' philosophy on sports, camaraderie and a life well lived. More than a baseball history, "24" feels akin to a fireside chat with a sports hero brimming with wisdom. --Zack Ruskin, San Francisco Chronicle Datebook

This book shows off the best parts of Mays, and is a delightful read while waiting for baseball to return. --Rich Dubroff, Baltimore Baseball

Shea chronicles Mays's life and legacy with attention, detail, and awe...[a] definitive work about a living legend. --Publishers Weekly

[Mays'] upbeat personality shines even when discussing difficult topics...Baseball fans of all ages and anyone seeking inspiration will enjoy memories and motivation shared in a warm, joyous manner by the irrepressible Say Hey Kid. --Library Journal (starred review)

"This unusual mix of memoir, self-help, and baseball history...drives home the point that there's never been anyone quite like number 24." --Booklist

"Terrific . . . It is a must read." --Forbes.com

The Willie Mays bio is filled with examples of excelling under pressure. --Investor's Business Daily

Praise for Willie Mays:

It's because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for president. --President Barack Obama

"We sat and talked a long time about baseball, which really helped me more than anything in the world, sitting and talking to him about baseball." --Hank Aaron

Willie's the greatest all-around player of all time. You listen to his stories, you learn so much.... Nobody tells stories like Willie. --Dave Roberts, 2016 National League Manager of the Year

About the Author

WILLIE MAYS, forever the youthful Say Hey Kid, was a major-league center fielder for 22 seasons with the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants and New York Mets and played for the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro Leagues. He hit 660 home runs, collected 3,283 hits, stole 338 bases, earned 12 Gold Gloves and played in 24 All-Star Games. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.

JOHN SHEA is the award-winning national baseball columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle and Willie's longtime acquaintance. He has written several books, including the autobiography of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, Off Base: Confessions of a Thief. He is seen regularly on MLB Network.