The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93. His death came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a place steeped in history and significance for Mays' professional journey. It was here that his big-league baseball career began, and it will be here where fans and players will celebrate his legacy.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening. This event will serve as a tribute to Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. On Monday, however, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, just a day later, he passed away. The evening will still be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression. Raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Additionally, he played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. The Black Barons' manager, Piper Davis, quickly took notice of Mays' talent.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16 years old, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. His father insisted that he finish high school, so Mays was allowed to play only in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and securing two hits against famed pitcher Chet Brewer. When center fielder Bobby Robinson broke his leg, Mays took over the center field position, solidifying his role in the team.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield allowed Mays to showcase his abilities. Scouts, drawn to the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947, took notice of the prodigious talent. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons, achieving a batting average of .233/.313/.326. The 10 hits he made at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB stats. The Black Barons had a powerful lineup in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record and edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays had seven hits and six walks during that series. However, the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Even playing just once a week, Mays showed the promise of future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first 10 major-league hits were at Rickwood Field, and now, baseball will bid farewell to him at the same historic venue. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," was a sentiment echoed by many involved in planning the event.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. "It has been 75 years since I played for the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field, and to learn that my Giants and the Cardinals will play a game there and honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and all those who came before them is really emotional for me. We can't forget what got us here, and that was the Negro Leagues for so many of us," Mays had said.
Mays' legacy and memories will deeply resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will commemorate the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.