Presented in Willie's voice, and the voices of others whose lives he has touched-including Hank Aaron, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack O'Bama, Vin Scully, Tommy LaSorda, and more -this revealing authorized book emphasizes Willie's unique and lasting place in American history, culture, and public life.Willie Mays is an American icon, treasure and hero. For the first time, Willie, now 88, is writing an inspirational book that will appeal to all generations and feature his life lessons and stories packed into 24 chapters to correspond with his retired uniform number, one of the most recognized in sports.This is a one-of-a-kind journey with Willie that encompasses an inspirational perspective while exploring and capturing his legacy and getting deeper into the personality of the man."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. We want to reach out to all generations and backgrounds. Hopefully, these stories and lessons will inspire people in a positive way." -Willie Mays
WILLIE MAYS 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 baseball columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle and Willie's longtime acquaintance. He has written four books, including the autobiography Rickey Henderson, Off Base: Confessions of a Thief.