Inspired Days Before Willie Mays' Passing, Author Releases Heartfelt Dedication Edition of Novel
ncarol.com/10265217

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

• D.R. Crotzer Announces A New Science Fiction Book Series Exploring Life Energy, Dreams, and the Mystery of Existence
• Color Card Administrator Highlights Growing Enterprise Demand for Operational Infrastructure in Business Card Identity Governance
• American Properties Celebrates Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Heritage at South
• Crosswalk Ministries USA Announces 2026 Child and Family Well-Being Conference in Stockbridge, Georgia
• Research reveals "The Borderless Pay Standard," a 48-point gap between multinational employers and workers on transparent pay expectations

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

• Global.ai Appoints Freedomtech Solutions as Specialist Partner for Agentic AI
• ASCLD Honors Jeremy Triplett with 2026 Briggs J. White Award
• BarnOps Launches Equine Facility Management Software with GPS Staff Tracking and Weather Alerts
• Lansdowne Photographer Steven Weisz Selected for Philadelphia City Hall Exhibition
• Federal indictments bring new scrutiny to SPLC practices and highlight the real‑world impact of its designations on nonprofit groups, including NCFM

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