John Shea

Listen to "John Shea Releases The Book 24 Life Stories And Lessons From The Say Hey Kid" on Spreaker. Willie Mays has long been recognized as baseball's greatest all-around player. In the history of the sport, few have been as inspiring as Mr. Mays, who uplifted many generations since he first captivated the baseball world with his unparalleled combination of skills, flair and joyful exuberance. This tremendous, heartfelt new book, co-authored with John Shea, and told in Mr. Mays's voice, 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid, (St. Martin's Publishing Group, on sale May 12, 2020, $28.99), is full of poignant and timeless stories and reflections from Mr. Mays, as well as tales from many others who played major roles in his career and life. Bob Costas wrote a touching and illuminating foreword. "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 Mr. Mays is a Hall of Famer, and that just begins to tell the story of the impact this American hero has had on generations in the U.S. and worldwide. Shortly after baseball's racial barrier was broken by Jackie Robinson, Mr. Mays triumphed against still-pervasive bigotry, not just with his enormous talents on the field, but by adhering to the type of life plan and philosophy that he lays out in this reflective and inspirational memoir. Mr. Mays' accomplishments go on and on: 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, 338 stolen bases, 12 straight Gold Glove Awards, 24 All-Star Game appearances. His catch in the 1954 World Series is a defining moment in baseball history but hardly his best play. He appeared in a World Series in his first and final big-league seasons, and the World Series Most Valuable Player Award is named in his honor. A statue in his likeness stands at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, where 24 palm trees line the entrance to the San Francisco Giants ballpark, which has a brick wall in right field standing 24 feet high. The city dedicated one of its famous cable cars to Mr. Mays: Car 24. 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid draws from more than 200 interviews with Hall of Famers, teammates,, opponents, Negro Leaguers, managers, commissioners, childhood friends, celebrities, and three U.S. presidents. The book contains marvelous stories and anecdotes from the likes of baseball colleagues Hank Aaron, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, Frank Robinson, Monte Irvin, Willie McCovey, Joe Morgan, and Vin Scully, to international figures such as Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, plus scores of never-before-seen photos. Mr. Shea spent more than 15 years researching for this book and diligently worked with Mr. Mays to construct an original memoir with all fresh material and previously untold stories 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. This revealing book will position Willie Mays among the most influential American historical, cultural and public icons. 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid is presented in 24 chapters to correspond with Mr. Mays' universally recognized uniform number, showing his deep and tremendous influence on people in and out of baseball as well as what has driven him to achieve greatness, including the impact his father had on his life. It is destined to be a book that everyone will turn to for guidance and life-planning, and will prove conclusively that heroes do indeed still exist.