The Passing of a Legend
The baseball world mourns the loss of Willie Mays, who passed away at the age of 93. The storied career of this inner-circle baseball great began and has now ended in the iconic setting of Rickwood Field in Birmingham. Just days before he was to be honored at this historic ballpark, Willie Mays left us, leaving a legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.
This Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field. This event is not just a baseball game but a celebration of Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues—a veritable tribute to a different era of baseball history. Although Mays had hoped to attend this special event, informing the San Francisco Chronicle just a day before his passing that he would not be able to, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of his unparalleled brilliance on the field.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. From an early age, his multi-sport athleticism was evident. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Mays also had a stint with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team affiliated with the Birmingham Black Barons. It was there that Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, noticed the budding talent of young Willie Mays.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he complete his high school education. Consequently, he was allowed to play only in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. Mays debuted in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and getting two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer. A subsequent injury to center fielder Bobby Robinson paved the way for Mays to take over in center field, where his talents truly began to shine.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field’s spacious outfield was the perfect stage for Mays to exhibit his incredible abilities. Scouts, increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, quickly took notice. Despite playing only 10 games for the Black Barons, Mays posted a .233/.313/.326 batting average, with the hits he made at Rickwood Field included in his official MLB statistics. The Black Barons were a powerhouse in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record and narrowly edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed significantly, recording seven hits and six walks during the series. The Black Barons, however, eventually fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Mays' performance, playing once a week, was an early indication of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays’ major-league journey began with his first 10 hits at Rickwood Field. Fittingly, baseball will bid farewell to him at the same cherished ballpark. The upcoming event will undoubtedly be a day filled with inspiration for young fans and budding athletes. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once remarked.
Rickwood Field stands as the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, having been the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Positioned near Juneteenth next year, the event will also honor Hall of Famer and Giants Legend Willie Mays, a Birmingham native whose impact on baseball is immeasurable. "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.
As the event commemorates Willie Mays, fans, players, and officials will rally to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball’s greatest heroes. The memories and legacy of Mays will continue to resonate at Rickwood Field, inspiring future generations and ensuring that the story of Willie Mays remains an integral part of baseball lore.