One of baseball’s most charismatic and talented players of all-time is presented in a rich and engrossing new biography that goes well beyond the amazing statistics. Still the numbers reflect the ultimate “five-tool” player:
660 home runs
1,903 RBIs
3,283 hits
.302 batting average
2062 runs scored
338 stolen bases
12 Gold Gloves
24 All-Star Games
Rookie of the Year
Twice Most Valuable Player
Author James Hirsch explores the nature of the man nearly fifty years since he first burst into the major leagues. While he is an inspiring figure, the “Say Hey Kid” played at a time of great social change and the book takes a look at both his electrifying play as well as his reticence to speak out against racial injustice like Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson despite the platform he was given.
The book contains a wealth of anecdotes and commentary from Mays himself in a wide range of topics from his time in the Army and financial problems at the height of his stardom to his 1972 trade to the Mets and his early barnstorming days in the deep south.
The book is a captivating reminder that Willie Mays transcended the game with his childlike exuberance and boundless joy. THAT is what baseball’s greatest centerfielder will be known for.
