24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 1,011 ratings

Price: 17.71

Last update: 01-30-2025


About this item

The instant New York Times best seller

The legendary Willie Mays shares the inspirations and influences responsible for guiding him on and off the field in this reflective and inspirational memoir.

"Even if, like me, you thought you had pretty much read and heard all there was to read and hear about Willie Mays, this warmhearted book will inform and reward you. And besides, what true baseball fan can ever get enough of Willie Mays? Say Hey! Read on and enjoy." (From the Foreword by Bob Costas)

"It’s because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for President." (President Barack Obama)

This program includes a bonus conversation between the authors.

Widely regarded as the greatest all-around player in baseball history because of his unparalleled hitting, defense and baserunning, the beloved Willie Mays offers people of all ages his lifetime of experience meeting challenges with positivity, integrity and triumph in 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid.

Presented in 24 chapters to correspond with his universally recognized uniform number, Willie’s memoir provides more than the story of his role in America’s pastime. This is the story 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.

"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)

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press


Top reviews from the United States

  • Billiam54
    5.0 out of 5 stars Willie Mays "THE COMPLETE BALLPLAYER"
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020
    Growing up in the 60's and 70's many baseball players were there for me to follow and pretend to be as I played in my backyard and on our local diamonds. Willie Mays was one of those players. Watching Willie Mays play on TV and then hoping I would get his card in my 5 or 10 cent bubblegum pack were things I looked forward too. So many players especially from the 60's and 70's I admired. I do miss those days. I read some good things about the book 24. So I purchased it and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the stories and comments from Willie and others. From his beginnings to the end of his playing career with the Mets. Insightful comments and life lessons thrown in for all ages. This book was well done by Willie Mays and John Shea. The pictures were a great addition as were the photos on the front and back insides of the book. Thank You to the players from the 60's and 70's. Thank You to Willie Mays "The Complete Ballplayer".
  • Clyde wearer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Say Hey Willie!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    In my view, Willie was the greatest all around player of all time, no one else is even close. So, being a big fan, my opinion is a little biased. This a good read. It goes a little deeper than just offering the accolades of Willie's HOF career. It also shows his humanitarian side as well. A great addition to your collection!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
    When I read this book it reminded me of what it was like to grow up as a boy in the 1960s. I was almost finished with the book when Willie passed away and then the full impact of what he meant to boys like me hit me like a ton of bricks.
  • Aran Joseph Canes
    4.0 out of 5 stars For the Young and Young at Heart
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2020
    There is a good reason Willy Mays is referred to as the Say-Hey Kid. He brought a child’s joy of playing the game to all he did, both on and off the field.

    24 is written from the same perspective. It intersperses highlights from May’s personal biography with tales directly from the Say Hey Kid himself. One learns how he overcame poverty, racism and the normal problems of youth to become one of the greatest ball players of all time. In addition, like Babe Ruth, his fellow rival for the title of GOAT, one hears about his life of helping others, particularly the young.

    However, the book is not a critical biography. It doesn’t spend much time detailing the circumstances of Mays’s life or providing a detailed examination of America in the fifties. Instead, it is truly a book for the young and the young at heart who still remember seeing Mays play. For the young it provides lesson after lesson about how not to let adversity crush one’s quest for a well-lived life. For those who can still remember him play, it has hundreds of tales, many previously unpublished, about Mays’ playing days: the legends he played with like Snyder and Mantle; the catch in the 1951 World Series; the friendships between Mays, McCovey and Bonds...Enough to make anyone take a welcome dip into nostalgia.

    The book then succeeds with its target audience. And while it may not be the last word on Mays’s life, it is probably the last public retelling of his life from Mays’s own perspective (he’s now ninety years old.)

    It is sure to be loved by all fans of America’s pastime. With the baseball season on hold, what better than to travel down memory lane with Willie Mays as one’s guide. Highly recommended.
  • Mbaseball
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Condition
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    As described and prompt delivery!
  • Ghostrider33
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Best that ever was.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    Grew up in the Bay Area in the 1960's and Willie was my baseball idol. This is a good book about him and will be a welcome addition to my library.
  • BB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2023
    This book is very well written and love Willie's inserts about his life. Highly recommend.
  • Keith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Willie was a 6-tool player and this book shares why!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2020
    I love the stories about Willie's great in-game heroics but also his off-field attitude - helping others (teammates and competitors) and how he served the local and international community. Gives new definition to what it means to be the greatest. A great book for baseball, Giants (and Mets), sport fans and just a great heartwarming read for young and old.

    Nice work Mr Shea. Go Aztecs/Go Giants! Peace. K

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