[vincesanity82]

Needham-based best-selling author James S. Hirsch has scored a deal to write the first authorized biography of baseball legend Willie Mays. A former reporter and author of four books, Hirsch told us he thinks the 76-year-old Mays finally consented to cooperating on a book because "enough time has passed to put his accomplishments in perspective." The Hall of Famer, who played from 1951 to 1973, had a career "that very much overlapped with the modern civil rights movement," Hirsch said yesterday. "He played an important role on the field, because so many fans - black and white - watched him play and that shaped how people viewed other players," Hirsch said of the iconic all-around player, who is described as being a very private person. The deal with Scribner's editor-in-chief Nan Graham was brokered by Todd Shuster of the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth literary agency of Boston and New York. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Mays announced he will donate his share of the proceeds to support his Say Hey Foundation, which advances children's causes. "He was not one to be out in front of the marches," Hirsch said. "He was more of a leader by example." -- Boston Globe

A home run for Hirsch - The Boston Globe

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Wow!...no one can say that the Say Hey kick tried to capitalize on a money making opportunity...good for him...beats a book by Jose Canseco, no?

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Wow!...no one can say that the Say Hey kick tried to capitalize on a money making opportunity...good for him...beats a book by Jose Canseco, no?

So do you think he won't be making anything on this ??? Now is the time for this book. The record was broken and his name is out there again. "Show me the money".

... and yes I'm OK with it. At least there will be some truth in it.

[Lefty Noob]

Mays announced he will donate his share of the proceeds to support his Say Hey Foundation, which advances children's causes.

Good for Mays. I've never understood this growing practice of writing your life story when your life isn't even half over yet. I'm sure he's got a lot of fascinating tales to tell, and the money's going to a good cause, so I think I'll almost have to pick up a copy once it comes out.