The Story
"A wonderfully nostalgic trek . . . capturing the cultural significance of my father's character and impact." -Michael Mays
He was the "Say Hey Kid," a baseball legend who redefined the game with unmatched speed, power, and flair. Willie Mays transcended the playing field to become an American icon who inspired generations and left an indelible mark on sport and society.
From the makeshift diamonds of Harlem and New York's quirky Polo Grounds to the dusty backroads of the Tidewater and San Francisco's glittering bayside ballpark, dive into the seldom-revealed personal events of this extraordinary man in 14 Going on 24: Growing Up with Willie Mays.
Share some of his most memorable life experiences and historic games as viewed through the eyes of a struggling teenage boy befriended by Mays. And then hold your breath to see if together they can bring hope to underprivileged kids by selflessly leveraging a long-forgotten physical remnant of Mays's early career.
Author: Larry Hayes
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 296
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9798897471300
About the Author
Hayes, Larry: - Larry Hayes writes fiction featuring hidden histories, thought-provoking multicultural themes, and powerful relationships. He pulls heartstrings and offers a few laughs while sharing unique tidbits of tantalizing background.He has been a 911 emergency dispatcher, a teacher, a tour guide, and worked for Major League Baseball. He has climbed the Sierra Nevada, taken photos from atop a tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, talked sign stealing with Barry Bonds, and is an expert at Band-Aid application. He and his wife often share their home in Northern California with four unusually inquisitive granddaughters.
Description
"A wonderfully nostalgic trek . . . capturing the cultural significance of my father's character and impact." -Michael Mays
He was the "Say Hey Kid," a baseball legend who redefined the game with unmatched speed, power, and flair. Willie Mays transcended the playing field to become an American icon who inspired generations and left an indelible mark on sport and society.
From the makeshift diamonds of Harlem and New York's quirky Polo Grounds to the dusty backroads of the Tidewater and San Francisco's glittering bayside ballpark, dive into the seldom-revealed personal events of this extraordinary man in 14 Going on 24: Growing Up with Willie Mays.
Share some of his most memorable life experiences and historic games as viewed through the eyes of a struggling teenage boy befriended by Mays. And then hold your breath to see if together they can bring hope to underprivileged kids by selflessly leveraging a long-forgotten physical remnant of Mays's early career.
Author: Larry Hayes
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 296
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.81d
ISBN: 9798897471300
About the Author
Hayes, Larry: - Larry Hayes writes fiction featuring hidden histories, thought-provoking multicultural themes, and powerful relationships. He pulls heartstrings and offers a few laughs while sharing unique tidbits of tantalizing background.He has been a 911 emergency dispatcher, a teacher, a tour guide, and worked for Major League Baseball. He has climbed the Sierra Nevada, taken photos from atop a tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, talked sign stealing with Barry Bonds, and is an expert at Band-Aid application. He and his wife often share their home in Northern California with four unusually inquisitive granddaughters.
