COOPERSTOWN, NY - The story of one of baseball's greatest heroes has come to print, and the author is coming to Cooperstown.

New York Times best-selling author James S. Hirsch will discuss his new book Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend on Friday, July 30, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as part of the Museum's continuing Authors' Series program. The book, which was authorized by Mays, takes a look at one of the game's most celebrated and beloved players.

The 1 p.m. program will be held in the Museum's Bullpen Theater and a book signing will follow the program, with copies of the book available in the Museum Bookstore.

Mays, a 24-time All-Star with the Giants and the Mets, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979. In his 22-year big league career, Mays won two National League Most Valuable Player Awards and 12 Gold Glove Awards in the outfield.

Hirsch is a former reporter for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of four non-fiction books, including the New York Times bestseller Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter.

The Hall of Fame's Summer Authors' Series continues throughout July and August. The program brings several noted writers to the Hall of Fame's Bullpen Theater for special lectures as fans can hear first-hand how their stories became part of written history. These educational presentations allow visitors to learn the story behind the stories.

For more information about these and other programs, please visit www.hofclubhouse.com.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day. The Museum observes regular hours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily until Memorial Day Weekend. Ticket prices are $16.50 for adults (13 and over), $11 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $6 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger.  For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.