I'm Keith Hernandez
A Memoir
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4.2 • 80 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Legendary first baseman Keith Hernandez tells all in this gripping literary memoir and New York Times bestseller.
Keith Hernandez revolutionized the role of first baseman. During his illustrious career with the World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, he was a perennial fan favorite, earning eleven consecutive Gold Gloves, a National League co-MVP Award, and a batting title. But it was his unique blend of intelligence, humor, and talent -- not to mention his unflappable leadership, playful antics, and competitive temperament -- that transcended the sport and propelled him to a level of renown that few other athletes have achieved, including his memorable appearances on the television show Seinfeld.
Now, with a striking mix of candor and self-reflection, Hernandez takes us along on his journey to baseball immortality. There are the hellacious bus rides and south-of-the-border escapades of his minor league years. His major league benchings, unending plate adjustments, and role in one of the most exciting batting races in history against Pete Rose.
Indeed, from the Little League fields of Northern California to the dusty proving grounds of triple-A ball to the grand stages of Busch Stadium and beyond, I'm Keith Hernandez reveals as much about America's favorite pastime as it does about the man himself. What emerges is an honest and compelling assessment of the game's past, present, and future: a memoir that showcases one of baseball's most unique and experienced minds at his very best.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In the introduction to his entertaining memoir, two-time World Series Champion and five-time All-Star Keith Hernandez claims he didn't want to write a "boring" baseball book. Mission accomplished, as the outspoken first baseman-turned-broadcaster covers the highlights from his impressive career trajectory, beginning with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970s and his game-by-game battle against Pete Rose for the 1979 batting crown and continuing with dalliances with prostitutes and cocaine. Hernandez, now 64, retired in 1990 after spending most of his career with the Cardinals and later the New York Mets, with one final season in Cleveland. He focuses almost entirely on his years in the Cardinals organization (they were "the most instructive," he writes), while also discussing his opponents and his post-baseball career as a color analyst on Mets' telecasts. Frustrated with how long today's games are, the use of sabermetrics, and the impact of league expansion, Hernandez brings a witty veteran's view to today's game ("call me old fashioned," he tells readers before stating an opinion). These observations, however, along with his bar-conversation writing style and self-deprecating humor, will appeal to baseball fans of any era.
Customer Reviews
Keith Hernandez
Excellent. Waiting for #2 and Mets Era.
Best first base man Mets since 62. Almost as good as Marvolous Marv ( kidding )
Enjoyed it all.
Dream!
For all those little league players with a dream, this book was for them.
Waiting for Part 2
I really enjoyed this book. Well written account of his early baseball years and current Met broadcast antidotes. So much seems left out, the trade to the Mets, World Series year and teammates. Was surprised the book ended when it did.