24 : life stories and lessons from the Say Hey Kid / Willie Mays and John Shea ; foreword by Bob Costas.

Includes index.

Foreword by Bob Costas
Set an example: the story of 24
Play catch with your dad: the story of Willie Howard Mays, Sr
Remember your history: the story of the Birmingham Black Barons
Take on a challenge: the story of breaking down barriers
Honor your mentors: the story of Leo Durocher and Monte Irvin
Act like you've been there before: the story of a unique and elegant style
Keep your eye on the ball: the story of the catch
Honor your peers: the story of Willie, Mickey, and the Duke
When life throws you a curve, go with the pitch: the story of the polo grounds and Candlestick park
Give it all you've got: the story of a four-homer day
Life and baseball aren't fair: the story of a game of inches
Never give up: the story of a 16-inning classic
Have fun on the job: the story of all-star pride
Your foe can be your friend: the story of a heated rivalry
You can go home again: the story of a return to New York
Strive for excellence: the story of Hank Aaron and the 1,415 home runs
Respect everyone like your teammate: the story of the absurdity of racism
Follow your dreams: the story of a kinship with Barack Obama
Benefit from versatility: the story of a five-tool player
Embrace the mental game: the story of the sixth tool
It's not all about the numbers: the story of life beyond 660
Have each other's back: the story of a good friend's son
Stay young at heart: the story of three World Series rings
Make a new friend: the story of a love affair with fans

"The legendary Willie Mays shares the inspirations and influences responsible for guiding him on and off the field in this reflective and inspirational memoir. "It's because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for President." -President Barack Obama 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"-- Provided by publisher.