Born to Play Ball

by Willie Mays, Charles Einstein

Willie Mays has been cheered enthusiastically in and out of the ball parks where he has played. He has been called the greatest natural player of all time. Now, finally, Willie speaks for himself in a book that will delight his fans of all ages.

Not only the story of his life is included, for Willie gives many tips on batting form, fielding and throwing.

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

William Howard "Willie" Mays, Jr. was a retired American baseball player who played the majority of his career with the New York and San Francisco Giants before finishing with the New York Mets. Nicknamed The Say Hey Kid, Mays was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. Many consider him to be the greatest all-around player of all time.

Mays won two MVP awards and tied a record with 24 appearances in the All-Star Game. He ended his career with 660 career home runs, third at the time of his retirement, and currently fourth all-time. In 1999, Mays placed second on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, making him the highest-ranking living player at that time. Later that year, he was also elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Mays was the only Major League player to have hit a home run in every inning from the 1st through the 16th. He finished his career with a record 22 extra-inning home runs. Mays was one of five NL players to have eight consecutive 100-RBI seasons, along with Mel Ott, Sammy Sosa, Chipper Jones and Albert Pujols. Mays hit 50 or more home runs in both 1955 and 1965. This time span represents the longest stretch between 50 plus home run seasons for any player in Major League Baseball history.

Mays' first Major League manager, Leo Durocher, said of Mays: "He could do the five things you have to do to be a superstar: hit, hit with power, run, throw, and field. And he had that other ingredient that turns a superstar into a super superstar. He lit up the room when he came in. He was a joy to be around."

Upon his Hall of Fame induction, Mays was asked who was the best player that he had seen during his career. Mays replied, "I thought I was." Ted Williams once said "They invented the All-Star Game for Willie Mays."

Reviews

[Jane Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great moment-in-time picture of Willie Mays' at the beginning of his long and successful baseball career. It was fun to read this in first person, to feel the excitement he has for the game. I got bogged down a time or two by the detail of play but I'm a fan of the game and overall if was a good nostalgic read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic book about the legend. Very detailed and stat oriented.