Sometimes incidents become embedded in the imagination. These events can be famous speeches, such as President John Kennedy’s Inaugural Address asking Americans, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." Other less-exalted occurrences can also become part of the American fabric. These frequently happen in sporting events. For example, many Nebraskans fondly remember Tommy Frazier’s great touchdown run in the national title game.
One sport that has had a number of these epic moments is baseball. One bad play in the World Series that costs a game is usually not forgotten, no matter how great the player’s career has been. Of all the brilliant defensive plays made in the World Series, Willie Mays’ spectacular catch in the 1954 World Series is likely the most famous. In this interesting book, "You Never Heard of Willie Mays?" Jonah Winter tells the fascinating story of the great New York Giant (and later San Francisco Giant) Willie Mays.
In 1931 Willie Mays is born near Birmingham, Ala. In the middle of the Great Depression, the Mays family struggles to survive. Mr. Mays works in brutally hard, difficult jobs. The Mayses have very little money, but they possess the most important blessing a family can have: They all have a deep love and respect for each other.
Willie’s dad had been a successful semi-pro baseball player and teaches his son the intricacies of the game. Willie takes to baseball naturally, and soon becomes an outstanding player.
Since segregation is still the norm in the United States, black players cannot play in the Major Leagues. The great black athletes play in the Negro Leagues. The stars of the Negro Leagues are equal to the great players in the Majors, but are barred because of their race. This all changes when Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Now most Major League teams begin signing the stars of the Negro Leagues.
It isn’t long before the New York Giants see a skinny, enormously talented centerfielder on the Birmingham Black Barons. After watching him steal bases at will and flying around the outfield, everyone knows this young man is special. But what stuns people is how far he can hit the ball. Though he is not quite 6 foot tall and weighs about 185 pounds, Willie can simply crush the ball.
The Giants know a good thing when they see one and bring Willie to the Majors in 1951. His batting, defense and baserunning change the way people think about the game.
Though he will miss two years because of military service, Willie is back with the Giants in 1954. Mays leads them to the World Series and in the crucial inning of the Series, the Cleveland slugger, Vic Wertz, comes to the plate. He smashes the ball to deep center and Willie Mays begins running like a deer. With his back to home plate and his hat falling off, Willie taps his glove and reaches up for the ball. What happens next changes the way people will forever view baseball.
Does he make the catch? Do the Giants win the World Series? What else does Willie Mays accomplish in the sport? What is a basket catch? Why is Willie so universally loved during and after his career? To find out, go to the library and check out this fine biography: "You Never Heard of Willie Mays?" by Jonah Winter.
This is a great book for young children to read or have read to them. The illustrations are not necessarily beautiful, but have a deep charm about them. You will love them. I hope you like this book as much as I did.
