Using the refrain, "Say hey, Willie, say hey," this picture book by Peter Mandel tells the story of the diminutive Alabama steelworker's son who grew up to become a baseball player for the New York Giants. Willie Mays began his career in the Negro League until the powerful hitter was drafted in the 1950s. When Willie moved up from the Negro League, black players were few and far between. But he soon became Rookie of the Year and later a star player with his famous "basket catch." The book is a good synopsis of a baseball legend's life. The back page is a chart of Will's batting and fielding record, which is a nice touch. ( )