I was very excited to read “A Time For Reflection” because I did not know much about either Willie McCovey or Billy Williams. I had heard about both, but had no idea about their careers or their impact on the game of baseball. I really enjoyed getting to know both players. While I was saddened to read about the trials each faced in life, it was that much more exciting to read about their triumphs. I found this book to be both educational and empowering. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would recommend it not just to baseball fans, but everyone. I feel like everyone can learn something important from these two men.

Thank you, Rowman & Littlefield, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I just finished A Time For Reflection: The Parallel Legacies of Baseball Icons Willie McCovey and Billy Williams, by Jason Cannon.

This book will be released on February 4, 2025.

There were so many good stories in this book, such a shooting at a minor league game that was provoked by a Williams walk-off hit, kids in Mobile playing “tops” as their form of baseball, the 1962 World Series, Williams’s consecutive game playing streak, Williams playing in Koufax’s perfect game, McCovey’s success off Don Drysdale and many others.

In addition to their baseball greatness, a recurrent theme throughout the book was the racial discrimination that McCovey and Williams were unfortunately forced to endure from time to time throughout their careers.

One does not have to be either a Giants or Cubs fan to be able to enjoy this book.

I give this book an A. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews.

I finished reading this on October 19, 2024.