Larry Hayes | Updates

Larry Hayes & John Shea in conversation at Book Shop West Portal

Larry Hayes — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Book Shop West Portal is hosting Larry Hayes in celebration of the release of his new book, 14 Going on 24: Growing Up with Willie Mays, a wonderfully nostalgic account of an American icon who remains such a pinnacle of San Francisco's history. Joining Hayes in conversation will be the esteemed Giants reporter John Shea,who co-wrote with Willie Mays their New York Times best-seller 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid. Please join us for an evening celebrating Mays and hearing about Hayes' new book.

This event is FREE to attend. Seating is first-come, first-served. (RSVPs are optional, but encouraged for the host's planning purposes.)

About the Book:

"A wonderfully nostalgic trek . . . capturing the cultural significance of my father's character and impact." -Michael Mays

He was the "Say Hey Kid," a baseball legend who redefined the game with unmatched speed, power, and flair. Willie Mays transcended the playing field to become an American icon who inspired generations and left an indelible mark on sport and society.

From the makeshift diamonds of Harlem and New York's quirky Polo Grounds to the dusty backroads of the Tidewater and San Francisco's glittering bayside ballpark, dive into the seldom-revealed personal events of this extraordinary man in 14 Going on 24: Growing Up with Willie Mays.

Share some of his most memorable life experiences and historic games as viewed through the eyes of a struggling teenage boy befriended by Mays. And then hold your breath to see if together they can bring hope to underprivileged kids by selflessly leveraging a long-forgotten physical remnant of Mays's early career.

About the Author:

Larry Hayes writes fiction featuring hidden histories, thought provoking multi-cultural themes and powerful relationships. He pulls heart strings and offers a few laughs while sharing unique tidbits of tantalizing background.

He has been a 911 emergency dispatcher, a teacher, a tour guide and worked for Major League Baseball. He has climbed the Sierra Nevada, taken photos from atop a tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, talked sign stealing with Barry Bonds and is an expert at Band-Aid application. He and his wife often share their home in Northern California with four unusually inquisitive granddaughters.

About the Conversation Partner:

John Shea is The San Francisco Standard’s Giants reporter. John was a nationally lauded baseball writer for the San Francisco Chronicle for 25 years. He’s written five books about baseball, including co-writing with Willie Mays their New York Times best-seller 24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kidand Rickey Henderson’s autobiography, Off Base: Confessions of a Thief. He was also a consulting producer in the 2022 HBO documentary, Say Hey, Willie Mays!

DATE: Mon, 6/22/2026

TIME: 7:00pm

PLACE:
Bookshop West Portal
80 West Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127

FREE RSVP

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What number was Willie wearing in this depiction of him in his 1951 road uni? You might be surprised!

Larry Hayes — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Superb artwork by Scott Hodges (Bubble Gum Pop Art)

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Who's missing from this famous "Saturday Evening Post" cover illustration at the Polo Grounds?

Larry Hayes — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Discover the omission from renowned artist Norman Rockwell's original work here.

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It is 3:58 PM Eastern Time on October 3, 1951

Larry Hayes — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

James didn't actually see Pafko at the wall ... but Mr. Willie certainly did!

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Pre-order now! Publishing Release Date is June 16, 2026 -- Just in time for Father's Day!

Larry Hayes — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Give the fan in your life a heartwarming story to cherish. In the heart of 1950s Harlem, a future legend found a friend. Inspired by the iconic photograph of Willie Mays playing stickball with local kids, 14 Going On 24: Growing Up With Willie Mays is a rawly-imagined, first-person narrative exploring an unlikely friendship that defied the spotlight.

Through the eyes of an impressionable young boy, experience Mays not just as a budding superstar, but as a compassionate "older brother" who guided him from the makeshift diamonds of Harlem to the Polo Grounds and beyond.

This intimate journey, spanning decades and cities, offers an insider's look at a candid Mays, revealing the man's profound humanity and a generous act of kindness that would change their lives. Discover the forgotten remnant of baseball history that binds their fates, and witness the enduring power of mentorship, legacy, and hope.

This is the untold story of The Say Hey Kid, a man whose heart was as great as his historic talent.

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The Polo Grounds, New York City, circa 1951

Larry Hayes — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In 14 Going On 24: Growing Up With Willie Mays, step into history as we retrace Willie's daily game-day walk from his Harlem boarding house to the Polo Grounds. Along the way, you’ll experience the legendary ballpark through his eyes and meet the colorful characters who helped define the New York Giants' fabled home.

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"Meet me at Willie ..."

Larry Hayes — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fans use the 9-foot tall bronze statue of Willie Mays located at the main entrance to the San Francisco Giants' Oracle Ballpark as a pre-game meeting place.

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