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Considered to be “as monumental—and enigmatic—a legend as American sport has ever seen” (Sports Illustrated),
Willie Mays is arguably the greatest player in baseball history, still
revered for the joy and passion he brought to the game. Mays began as a
teenage phenom in the Negro Leagues, became a cult hero in New York, and
was the headliner in Major League Baseball’s bold expansion to
California. With 3,383 hits, 660 home runs, and 338 stolen bases, he was
a blend of power, speed and stylistic bravado that fans had never seen
before. Now, in the first biography authorized by and written with the
cooperation of Willie Mays, James Hirsch reveals the man behind the
player. Willie is perhaps best known for “The Catch”—his
breathtaking over-the-shoulder grab in the 1954 World Series. It is a
classic visual that represents a transcendent figure who ushered in a
new era of baseball, received standing ovations around the globe,
and—during the turbulent civil rights era—advocated understanding and
reconciliation. However, the years of racial attacks, the stress of
celebrity, and the mental and physical demands of the game also took a
toll. Meticulously researched and drawing on lengthy interviews with
Mays, as well as with close friends, family, and teammates, Hirsch presents a complex portrait of one of America’s most significant cultural icons.
About the Author
James S. Hirsch is former reporter for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of four nonfiction books, including the New York Times bestseller. Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter,
which was the basis for the film of the same name starring Denzel
Washington. Hirsch is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of
Journalism and has a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public
Affairs at the University of Texas. He lives in the Boston area with his
wife, Sheryl, and their children, Amanda and Garrett. Born and raised
in St. Louis, he remains a diehard Cardinal fan.
"The Peacemaker" Professor Holly Vietzke interviews former New York Times reporter James S. Hirsch on his book, Willie Mays - The Life, the Legend, in this excerpt from The Massachusetts School of Law's program, Books of Our Time.
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Product Details
- Audiobook
10 Hours / 8 CDs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
ISBN-10: 0743599845
ISBN-13: 978-0743599849
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