I'm Keith Hernandez

A Memoir

By: Keith Hernandez

Narrated by: Keith Hernandez

Legendary first baseman Keith Hernandez tells all in this gripping literary memoir and New York Times bestseller.

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.

Critic reviews

Praise for I'm Keith Hernandez

"Meeting Keith when I was 13 remains one of the greatest moments of my life. After reading this book which so accurately describes the grit, dedication, and perseverance it takes to become one of the Baseball's greats, my appreciation for Keith--as a player, as a colleague, and as a friend--has reached new heights. It hits home, as do his keen insights into the game's past, present, and future. If you love baseball, you MUST read this book."—Alex Rodriguez

"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 A Silent Season of a Hero

"'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

"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

"Poignant and unexpectedly literary."—Sports Illustrated

"Even at 64, Hernandez has maintained the coolness quotient that made him a star in New York more than 30 years ago."—Newsday

"5 Books High Performers Should Read This Month" "In this candid memoir, the legendary first baseman reveals how his early years were strewn with insecurities. Hernandez opens up about how he gained the confidence to thrive in the major leagues."—Equinox's "Furthermore"

"If you pick up "I'm Keith Hernandez," you'll get a lot of incredible stories... Overall, the memoir captures what it's probably like to hang out with Keith."—MLB's "Cut 4"

"[I'M KEITH HERNANDEZ] reflects on his life, career and the state of baseball today."—WNYC's "The Brian Lehrer Show"

"All in all, Hernandez delivers his book with disarmingly self-deprecating humor and blunt candor - 100-percent authentic to who he is in the broadcast booth."—East Hampton Star

Selected for "Behind the Bestsellers" roundup—Publisher's Weekly

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.

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.

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!