Kevin Neary

715: Reflections on Hammerin? Hank and the Home Run That Made History Kevin Neary

Marc Notes: 715, which celebrates the fortieth anniversary of Hank Aaron's legendary 715th home run (April 2014), is a tribute to Hank Aaron that features a collection of quotes, statements, and short stories from people whose lives he touched--; Provided by publisher. Biographical Note: Kevin Neary has been a fan of the game his entire life. He worked with the Philadelphia Phillies for nine years. For the past twenty years he has worked for the Walt Disney Company, where he has written five books and has participated in over five hundred radio, television, and print interviews. "715" is his first book for Sports Publishing. He is the author of "Major League Dads" and "Closer." He currently lives in Celebration, Florida. Monte Irvin is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues and a Hall of Fame member. He was one of the first players to be signed by Major League Baseball after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, playing for the Newark Eagles and New York Giants, respectively. He remains very active in the baseball community and currently lives in Houston, Texas. Publisher Marketing: Hank Aaron forever cemented his legacy in baseball when he surpassed the Babe's home run record, but his impact reaches far beyond the diamond. "715," which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron's legendary 715th home run (April 2014), is a tribute to Hank Aaron that features a collection of quotes, statements, and short stories from people whose lives he touched. "715" features over 100 interviews from Hall of Famers, teammates, former and current players, Baseball Commissioners, celebrities, Senators, Governors, Mayors, Supreme Court Justices, and two US presidents (Carter & Clinton). There are also contributions from the Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King families, as well as Reverend Jesse Jackson, emphasizing the social impact of Henry Aaron and explaining how he dealt with the constant racism he faced, which included death threats, as he approached the record. Henry Aaron, whom many believe continues to reign as the true "Home Run King," more importantly, reigns as one of baseball's most socially influential players, not running from the questions of race. "715" also includes a forward by Monte Irvin, the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues and fellow Hall of Famer member, which highlights Hank Aaron's importance to African American athletes, specifically, and to baseball in general.

Contributor Bio:  Neary, Kevin Kevin Neary is a consultant in anthropology, research and museum interpretation for many First Nations and cultural institutions in British Columbia. He has participated in several research projects with the Huu-ay-aht over the past 20 years, developing a warm appreciation for Huu-ay-aht people, culture, language and history. Contributor Bio:  Irvin, Monte Bob Luke is the author of Dean of Umpires: A Biography of Bill McGowan, 1896-1954. He lives in Garrett Park, Maryland.