24

Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

By: Willie Mays, John Shea, Bob Costas

Narrated by: Bob Costas, Julian McWilliams, Larry Herron

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The instant New York Times best seller

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)

This program includes a bonus conversation between the authors.

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)

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2019 Willie Mays and John Shea (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The tag-team narration here fits wonderfully: Larry Herron speaks in a serious and deep tone that is commanding, with appropriate doses of emotion. Julian McWilliams uses a higher voice for Mays who, in fact, does have a slightly high voice. Often, when people are quoted--like President Obama--imitations are used and fit seamlessly within the story. Off- and on-the-field anecdotes are interspersed with brief pieces of advice and mini-mantras from the baseball great." (Audiofile Magazine)

Loved It

What a man and icon. Loved the audible version. I bet the book has tons of pictures that I would have love to have seen. Worth the money or credit!!!

Love this book!

This book focuses on what kind of man Willie is, in addition to his amazing baseball accomplishments. From his youth playing in the Negro leagues at 17 years old, through his incredible major league career, very inspiring, one comes away with the understanding that Willie Mays greatness as a baseball player is only exceeded by his greatness as a human being. Highly recommended!

Spectacular book

Never knew the story about Willie mays this book was really in-depth bout his life, such a spectacular book

Personal insight of a special person

Thoroughly enjoyed all the inside baseball stuff. Came away with a much better appreciation of Willie Mays as a person and role model.

Wonderful!!!!

I truly enjoyed listening to this wonderful book. It brought back many memories from my youth playing pickup games in rural Alabama. As kids we all wanted to be like Willie Mays and Henry Aaron.I must say that I bleed 🩸 Dodger Blue ;however being a baseball fanatic you couldn’t help but love Mr.Mays. He played the game with style.Thank you sir for all the memories. God Bless You!!!!!!

A wonderful job of storytelling

As a lifelong baseball fan, this was a joy to listen to. It was great to learn so much about the man, not just as a player but as a person as well. Willie Mays is just a great human being!

In Baseball, Willie Mays is the GOAT

In my lifetime, I still think Willie Mays is the greatest ball player. He could hit, hit with power, Steal a bas, great base runner, great arm and great defensive ball player. This story which is told in his own words and those who played with and against him, as well as people from his life show just what an amazing human being Willie Mays is. As great as he was on the field, he is such a nice man off the field, and continues to do a lot for children's charities. I really, really enjoyed this audio book.

It transported me to that era!

The book reminded me of HBO Baseball: When it was a game. I did not grow up on that era, but the book absolutely transports you to the era and it gives you a great view of the struggles and successes of some of the great ballplayers of that era.

Great Baseball History

One of the greatest of all time. It was about playing hard all the time and enjoying the game.

Wonderful

What a great man. So glad I got to listen to this. I feel blessed to know more about the great Willie Mays. What an icon in baseball and civil rights.