Trending...
- VDG Virtuoso Emerges as a New-Model Independent Industry Figure Blending Artist, Executive, and Infrastructure Builder
- Kaltra Launches Next-Gen MCHEdesign With Full Integration Into MCHEselect — Instant Simulation & Seamless Microchannel Coil Workflow
- UK Financial Ltd Executes Compliance Tasks Ahead Of First-Ever ERC-3643 Exchange-Traded Token, SMCAT & Sets Date For Online Investor Governance Vote
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 - ncarol.com -- 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 ncarol.com
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 ncarol.com
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 ncarol.com
- Charlotte Becomes the Epicenter of HBCU Culture: The 2026 BIG HBCU Southern Classic Returns
- Appliance EMT Expands Professional Appliance Repair Services to Hartford, Connecticut
- Java Holdings LLC Acquires +Peptide, Expanding Portfolio Across Coffee, Science, and Functional Nutrition
- Ascending Solutions Delivers 800 Toys to Boys & Girls Clubs of Gaston
- OneSolution® Expands to Orlando with New Altamonte Springs Implant Center
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 ncarol.com
- Indian Peaks Veterinary Hospital Launches Updated Dental Services Page for Boulder Pet Owners
- Dugan Air Donates $10,000 to Indian Creek Schools
- Robert DeMaio, Phinge Founder & CEO, Ranked #1 Globally on Crunchbase, Continues to Convert Previous Debt Owed to Him by Phinge into Convertible Notes
- 2025: A Turning Point for Human Rights. CCHR Demands End to Coercive Psychiatry
- The 22% Tax Reality: Finland's New Gambling Law Creates a "Fiscal Trap" for Grey Market Casino Players
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 ncarol.com
- Trump's Executive Order Rescheduling Cannabis: Accelerating M&A in a Multibillion-Dollar Industry
- Genuine Hospitality, LLC Selected to Operate Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham SE / Liberty Park
- tukr box Ministries Launches Meal-Sharing Kit Partnership With Marry Me Marinara
- Documentary "Prescription for Violence: Psychiatry's Deadly Side Effects" Premieres, Exposes Link Between Psychiatric Drugs and Acts of Mass Violence
- Price Improvement on Luxurious Lāna'i Townhome with Stunning Ocean Views
- Nextvisit Co-Founder Ryan Yannelli Identifies Six Critical Factors for Behavioral Health Providers Evaluating AI Scribes in 2026
- Elderhaus Receives 2025 Grant from The Endowment to Strengthen Services and Expand Community Impact
- CredHub and Real Property Management Join Forces to Empower Franchise Owners with Rental Payment Credit Reporting Solutions
- Leimert Park Announces Weeklong Kwanzaa Festival & Kwanzaa Parade Celebrating Black History, Culture, and Community
- Renowned Alternative Medicine Specialist Dr. Sebi and His African Bio Mineral Balance Therapy Are the Focus of New Book
- Psychiatric Drug Damage Ignored for Decades; CCHR Demands Federal Action
- Why Millions Are Losing Sexual Sensation, And Why It's Not Age, Hormones, or Desire
- Justin Jeansonne An Emerging Country Singer-Songwriter Music Fans Have Been Waiting For…a True Maverick
- Russellville Huntington Learning Center Expands Access to Literacy Support; Approved Provider Under Arkansas Department of Education
- UK Financial Ltd Launches U.S. Operations Following Delaware Approval
- Pinealage: the app that turns strangers into meditation companions — in crowdfunding phase
- "Micro-Studio": Why San Diegans are Swapping Crowded Gyms for Private, One-on-One Training at Sweat Society
- Beycome Closes $2.5M Seed Round Led by InsurTech Fund
- Tru by Hilton Columbia South Opens to Guests
- Christy Sports donates $56K in new gear to SOS Outreach to help kids hit the slopes


