I'm Keith Hernandez

A Memoir

By: Keith Hernandez

Narrated by: Keith Hernandez

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Legendary first baseman Keith Hernandez tells all in this gripping and literary memoir.

Keith Hernandez revolutionized the role of first baseman. During his illustrious career with the World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, he was a perennial fan favorite, earning eleven consecutive Gold Gloves, a National League co-MVP Award, and a batting title. But it was his unique blend of intelligence, humor, and talent - not to mention his unflappable leadership, playful antics, and competitive temperament - that transcended the sport and propelled him to a level of renown that few other athletes have achieved, including his memorable appearances on the television show Seinfeld.

Now, with a striking mix of candor and self-reflection, Hernandez takes us along on his journey to baseball immortality. There are the hellacious bus rides and south-of-the-border escapades of his minor league years. His major league benchings, unending plate adjustments, and role in one of the most exciting batting races in history against Pete Rose. Indeed, from the Little League fields of Northern California to the dusty proving grounds of triple-A ball to the grand stages of Busch Stadium and beyond, I'm Keith Hernandez reveals as much about America's favorite pastime as it does about the man himself.

What emerges is an honest and compelling assessment of the game's past, present, and future - a memoir that showcases one of baseball's most unique and experienced minds at his very best.

©2018 Keith Hernandez (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"As a longtime baseball fan, I appreciated learning about the evolution of one of my favorite ball players - Keith Hernandez. Even when he is writing about his slumps, his book is a hit. I recommend it." (Gay Talese, author of High Notes and The Silent Season of a Hero)

"I have known Keith my entire adult life and this revealing and honest autobiography made me smile and weep. Everyone has their own 'bruises' and Keith lets us in on what it takes to survive the troughs and tough times to make himself into the MVP he was and fine man he is today. Incredible perseverance of the human spirit with the help of his family, Keith will always be the greatest ballplayer I ever played with. I'm proud to call him my friend." (Ron Darling)

"Meeting Keith when I was 13 remains one of the greatest moments of my life. The long arc of his career has been an inspiration for all of us, as we've watched him grow from the trials he's been through. This book shows how much grit it takes to be great. Indeed, after reading so many stories we never knew about his life and career, my appreciation for Keith - as a player, as a colleague, and as a friend - has reached new heights. I think we all have a great deal to learn from the dedication Keith has to the sport and the insights (and foresights) he has for its past, present, and future." (Alex Rodriguez)

"'Don't think,' said Crash Davis to Nuke LaLoosh in Bull Durham. 'You can only hurt the ball club.' No one ever said that to Keith Hernandez, the thinking person's ballplayer. 'You're gonna have to learn your clichés,' Crash advised Nuke. 'They're your friends.' This, too, is a rule that, fortunately, Hernandez ignores in this romp through his life before, during and after baseball. Except there is no life after baseball." (George F. Will)

Keith Takes Reader Along on Journey

Enjoyed the fact that Keith Hernandez did the narration of the book doing super job taking the listener through his baseball journey and his childhood experiences including his father background and involvement in his career. Didn't go into detail of his Mets career, but did enjoy his chapter with Pete Rose.

Great Book Nice Balance

Life lessons with a baseball spin. Family fortitude. Love the theme of constant professionalism and focus to do your best. Strive to be better don’t settle for being a steady 280 when 300 is possible. Thanks Keith.

Must read/listen to for Mets fans

This is a real "page turner" and great listen to. Keith does a terrific job sharing the very interesting story of his development as a baseball player as well as sharing some insights into his childhood and personal life. Compelling story about one of the most beloved Mets. Keith displays his natural humbleness and candid comments that make his so likable. It is worth the investment in money and time.

Great insight from a legend

Keith Hernandez is a baseball legend. his stories are amazing. And this memoir captures 1970s baseball.

Good Story - Ends Suddenly

As one would expect, Keith Hernandez tells a great story and is a solid narrator of his memoir. Like many former players, Hernandez is, at times, pessimistic about the game today (he admits this throughout the book). Hernandez does a great job of highlighting his accomplishments while staying humble and appreciative for all of those that assisted (his dad, brother, coaches, teammates, etc.) him along the way to becoming an NL MVP. Because he broke into the league in the mid-1970’s, Hernandez and others his age represent a conduit of sorts between the greats of the 1950’s and today. His first hand accounts of his relationships and conversations with baseball greats such as Lou Brock, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial are an example of this. Hernandez has a great story and tells it very well. The only downside is that despite that fact that there are some “flash forwards” to his current career as a Mets broadcaster, the book abruptly ends early in the 1980 season so there really is not much content related to the second half of his playing career in New York. Also, selfishly, as a Seinfeld fan I was really hoping that Hernandez would share some stories about his iconic appearance on the show but he did not. Overall, as a baseball fan, the book is well worth the purchase!

I'm a fan.... and so are you.

GREAT audio book, read by the author, Keith himself. A lot of substance, no punches pulled. Keith shows his vulnerabilities and insecurities, an inspiration to anyone with self doubt. A relatable story of his upbringing with a strict parent who only wants the best for his children but cannot communicate effectively. Great insight to who Keith Hernandez really is as a person, not a story of his role on the 86 Mets but a story a a true pure major leaguer. Thank you Keith for writing this memoir. Highly recommend.

Awesome!

The only thing better than reading Keith's book myself, was listening to him read it!! It was like having him sitting on the couch next to me, telling me his story first hand. Well done Keirh.

Your Voice

Keith’s reading doesn’t sound like a broadcasting voice. The story would not have been half as good if anyone else did the audible for him.
Enjoy! I did.

Footnote...

I liked the balance between his childhood years and the passion he had for baseball and the insecurity he also had within himself when he got to the big league. He is honest about his life before, during and even after baseball on so many levels. I really enjoyed his book!

Great Book, does not cover Mets playing years!

Keith is a great story teller, but this books falls a little short in that he does not talk about his playing days as a Met. While I understand his stance that those stories have been told by many other authors, it would have been very interesting to hear Keith's first person recollections of 1986 and all the stories that came with it. I am sure he has many stories about Doc, Darryl, and many other of the Mets from that season that would be incredible to hear from his perspective both as a player then, and now looking back on their careers.