Trending...
- Psychiatric Hospitals Fail to Warn Electroshock Patients of FDA-Cited Risks in Estimated $7 Billion Industry
- George Martinez Launches Community Re-distribution Initiative With Donation to the Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
- DuoKey Launches Quantum Risk Score to Help Enterprises Prioritise Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration
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
- Mister Omaha Tries The Turf At Lone Star Park
- Andrew D. Levine Releases The Lily Network, an Indian Noir Mystery of Power, Paperwork & Murder
- The Mapping Software Behind America's Viral Maps Just Got Faster and Smarter
- Longevityresearch.ca publishes cross-disease causal analysis quantifying endpoint reduction across 27 diseases
- LEAN Culture Advisor Launches to Help Organizations Build High‑Performance, LEAN Workplace
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
- Joulescope JS320 Launches to Help Engineers Develop Battery-Powered Devices with Greater Confidence
- Ghanaian Afrobeat Artist Praise Kusi Announces Upcoming EP "After 21:00" Releasing July 3, 2026
- TURRENTINE: A Family Legacy United Through Music
- Save 10 Percent Off Summer Stays at KeysCaribbean Resorts
- Apple Rock Named to Event Marketer's 2026 Fab 50 for Fourth Consecutive Year
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.
Filed Under: Books
0 Comments
Latest on ncarol.com
- Finland Sets Casino Gambling Risk Limits at 2% of Income, 4 Days, 2 Game Types
- The Prolific Writer, Producer "Hunter" Is Bringing New Music For Summer Release
- Millennial Maven Creative Foundation Assists In Bringing Juneteenth to the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival with an Authentically Dallas Lineup
- An Interpretation of Embracing Tranquility
- Two Florida Family Law Firms Named Among the State's Best Divorce Practices for 2026
- Tacoma Arts Live And Accelerating Creative Enterprise Present Ace Showace
- George Martinez Launches Community Re-distribution Initiative With Donation to the Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
- SITE Technologies Releases Industry Research Report Exposing the CapEx Intelligence Gap in Commercial Real Estate
- A Business Novel About Ambition, Ethics, and the Hidden Realities of International Business
- New from Regal House Publishing, The Other Beautiful People, a work love story
- LinkedIn Lead Gen That Works Better from Blue-Chimp.com
- Century Fasteners Corp. Exhibiting at 2026 Farnborough International Airshow
- Compton to host first Juneteenth celebration with We Are Us Festival
- TOLI AdVantage Anti-Viral Flooring Supports Healthier, Safer Commercial Spaces
- DuoKey Launches Quantum Risk Score to Help Enterprises Prioritise Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration
- Top 5 Most Reliable Used Vans in the UK in 2026
- Dominican Fashion Designer Raiza Bonaparte presents the Sovereign Despampanante Collection at the Library of Congress
- What Happens When Congress Says No? New Book Examines the Boland Amendments, Iran-Contra Affair & Jamaican Posse, as US Congress Debate Over Military
- Alvear Homes Shares Insights on Building Stronger Neighborhood Connections Across NC & SC
- Warm, Dry Summer Forecast Points to a Stronger Wasp and Yellowjacket Season Across the Pacific Northwest