Trending...
- The 2025 ESPY Awards After Party- Presented by Poppi & High Noon
- General Auction Company Announces August 8th Auction- Now Accepting Consignments
- $53 Million Company Valuation Investment with Majority Acquisition Option, Plus New Stock CUSIP Supporting Brand Transition of Fan Engagement Company
On 6/15, former Oprah guest Gene Cartwright dedicated his 1997 novel, I Never Played Catch With My Father, to Willie Mays. The tribute edition was published on June 17, a day before Mays' passing, to honor his legacy and humanity.
PASADENA, Calif. & LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Author's Heartfelt Tribute to Willie Mays
Willie Mays was my childhood baseball hero. Period.
In 1996, inspired by my own life experiences, I wrote I Never Played Catch With My Father, which earned me an invitation to The Oprah Winfrey Show. The novel features memorable sections on Willie Mays. It challenges mothers and fathers to connect with their children, and warns of time that passes so quickly.
Thanks to my dedicated publicist, Nancy Eddy from Novato, California, the world's greatest San Francisco Giants baseball fan, Mr. Mays received an autographed copy of my book. I was overwhelmed. Willie Mays is the baseball hero I always aspired to be.
More on The Californer
A Sudden Inspiration
What happened on June 15th and 16th remains inexplicable. After 28 years, I felt an intense urgency to create a special Dedication Edition of my novel in honor of Willie Mays. I worked tirelessly, driven by an indescribable compulsion.
On June 16th, I called my publicist and left her a voicemail, asking her to inform Mr. Mays through the Giants' organization about my plans. I wanted him to be the first to know. Unable to reach her, I proceeded independently, and on June 17, 2024, the new edition went live on Amazon.
Simultaneously, I felt inspired to establish "Play Catch Day," to be celebrated annually on May 6th, Mr. Mays' birthday. This day is intended to encourage parents, families, and everyone to experience the therapeutic benefits and bonding that come from the simple act of playing catch.
A Heartbreaking Loss
On June 18, 2024, while with friends, I received the devastating news of Mr. Mays' passing. Given the events of the previous three days, I found it difficult to believe. But, sadly, it was true.
More on The Californer
I cannot explain why I was so compelled to produce the dedication version of I Never Played Catch With My Father. That mystery I leave to others. All I know is that I could not have acted differently.
My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Mays' son Michael, his family, friends, and countless fans who, like me, were profoundly touched by the life of Willie Howard Mays of Westfield, Alabama.
Goodbye, "Say Hey Kid."
Gene Cartwright
GeneCartwrightBooks.com
Falcon Creek Publishing Co.
https://youtu.be/uD2P0TQwDzo?si=jH5VDtQ4zFMtw7Ea
WATCH VIDEO HERE.
SEE NOVEL'S DEDICATION EDITIONS
Willie Mays was my childhood baseball hero. Period.
In 1996, inspired by my own life experiences, I wrote I Never Played Catch With My Father, which earned me an invitation to The Oprah Winfrey Show. The novel features memorable sections on Willie Mays. It challenges mothers and fathers to connect with their children, and warns of time that passes so quickly.
Thanks to my dedicated publicist, Nancy Eddy from Novato, California, the world's greatest San Francisco Giants baseball fan, Mr. Mays received an autographed copy of my book. I was overwhelmed. Willie Mays is the baseball hero I always aspired to be.
More on The Californer
- A Century of Compassion: Butte Humane Society Hosts 114th Anniversary Gilded Garden Gala
- United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
- Exelon Leader Tamla Olivier Named 2025 Technologist of the Year by Waves of Change STEM Conference
- KIDZ BOP RELEASES BRAND NEW ALBUM 'KIDZ BOP 51' FEATURING HITS "APT" & "PINK PONY CLUB"
- Be Part of the World's Largest Art Biennale | Moons, Castles, Trees | Copenhagen Chronotopes
A Sudden Inspiration
What happened on June 15th and 16th remains inexplicable. After 28 years, I felt an intense urgency to create a special Dedication Edition of my novel in honor of Willie Mays. I worked tirelessly, driven by an indescribable compulsion.
On June 16th, I called my publicist and left her a voicemail, asking her to inform Mr. Mays through the Giants' organization about my plans. I wanted him to be the first to know. Unable to reach her, I proceeded independently, and on June 17, 2024, the new edition went live on Amazon.
Simultaneously, I felt inspired to establish "Play Catch Day," to be celebrated annually on May 6th, Mr. Mays' birthday. This day is intended to encourage parents, families, and everyone to experience the therapeutic benefits and bonding that come from the simple act of playing catch.
A Heartbreaking Loss
On June 18, 2024, while with friends, I received the devastating news of Mr. Mays' passing. Given the events of the previous three days, I found it difficult to believe. But, sadly, it was true.
More on The Californer
- California sends more search and rescue crews to Texas
- YourEggs Is Leading the Way in Providing Access to the Best Asian Egg Donors to Families Worldwide
- California: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen CDCR Parole Agent
- California sues to stop Trump's politically motivated attack on high-speed rail
- SeedList Launching Institutional Crypto Crowdfunding Project to Empower Retail Investors and Disrupt the VC-Dominated Crypto Fundraising Landscape
I cannot explain why I was so compelled to produce the dedication version of I Never Played Catch With My Father. That mystery I leave to others. All I know is that I could not have acted differently.
My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Mays' son Michael, his family, friends, and countless fans who, like me, were profoundly touched by the life of Willie Howard Mays of Westfield, Alabama.
Goodbye, "Say Hey Kid."
Gene Cartwright
GeneCartwrightBooks.com
Falcon Creek Publishing Co.
https://youtu.be/uD2P0TQwDzo?si=jH5VDtQ4zFMtw7Ea
WATCH VIDEO HERE.
SEE NOVEL'S DEDICATION EDITIONS
Source: Falcon Creek Publishing Co.
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- CelluHeal™ Launches Full Line of Advanced Wound Dressings for Online Purchase in the USA, Canada, and Beyond
- California: Governor Newsom responds to Trump's latest gift to China: Defunding America's only high-speed rail
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.16.25
- California: Governor Newsom calls on Trump to end Los Angeles militarization, shares community resources
- City of Long Beach to Host Compost and Recycling Ambassador Program
- AMAZON DRIVERS IN CITY OF INDUSTRY JOIN THE TEAMSTERS
- Silva Construction Details Common Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Governor Newsom invites LA Fire survivors to continue shaping rebuilding efforts through Engaged California
- DOGUE Magazine and CoverDogs Announce Series A to Redefine Modern Pet Culture
- Voices for Humanity Treks High into the Himalayas to Deliver the Way to Happiness with Meena Sharma
- Nonprofit innovator named Mensa Executive Director
- Following Trump cut to LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, California steps up to fill the gap
- Yasmine Roulleau named Managing Director in Vancouver, Canada
- Chasing Elizabeth Taylor — The Dazzling True Story Behind the Queen of Diamonds Now Available in Limited-Edition Hardcover
- Swim Up Hill Animation Premieres Pilot Episode of "The Adventure of Swim Up Hill"
- LOS ANGELES TEAMSTERS AT METRO TRANSIT RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT
- Calmwater Capital Funds $22.8 Million Loan to Refinance Retail Complex in Park City
- From Barrio to Transgender Pioneer: Chapter 14 Personal Injustices Faced by the Protagonist
- Blacksmith InfoSec and Liongard Launch Strategic Integration to Simplify MSP Compliance Audits
- Surefox North America & Eagle Eye International Protective Services Announce Strategic Partnership