The Passing of a Legend
The world of baseball mourns the loss of Willie Mays, a true icon of the sport, who passed away at the age of 93. Mays' death came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, a venue deeply intertwined with his early career and the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
An Honored Legacy
Originally from the mill towns outside Birmingham, Willie Mays was born in 1931, amidst the Great Depression. From his early years, Mays showcased incredible athletic talent, excelling in multiple sports during his high school years. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and eventually moved on to the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. It was here that the Black Barons' manager, Piper Davis, noticed his exceptional skills.
Mays' journey to baseball greatness began when the Black Barons signed him at the tender age of 16, although his father insisted that he complete his high school education before fully committing to the sport. This restriction meant Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut came during the second game of a doubleheader, where he played left field, batted seventh, and managed two hits against renowned pitcher Chet Brewer. A broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson soon after allowed Mays to move into his iconic position in center field.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field provided the perfect stage for Mays to exhibit his talents. The scouts, already interested in the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's major league debut in 1947, were quickly drawn to Mays' potential. During his time with the Black Barons in 1948, he played in 10 games, achieving a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits Mays recorded at Rickwood are counted in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons, bolstered by Mays' contributions, went on to have an impressive 63-28-2 record that season. They triumphed over the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays racking up seven hits and six walks during the series. However, the team ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Mays' performance, even while playing only once a week, hinted at the legendary career that lay ahead.
An Enduring Legacy
Willie Mays would go on to become one of the greatest players in baseball history, and fittingly, his first 10 major league hits came at Rickwood Field. Now, as the baseball community prepares to say goodbye, it will do so at the very place where his journey began. The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening, a tribute not only to Mays but also to Rickwood Field itself and the profound impact of the Negro Leagues on the sport.
Mays, who had until recently hoped to attend the event, informed the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday that he would not be able to make it. Sadly, he passed away the following day. Despite his absence, the evening will be filled with appreciations, memories, and stories celebrating Mays' brilliance and his lasting impact on the game.
A Special Day
Rickwood Field remains the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and was home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event is scheduled around Juneteenth next year, an important date that will add even more meaning to the celebration. This commemoration will honor the legacy of Hall of Famer and Giants Legend, 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 once remarked.
As fans and players gather at Rickwood Field, they will celebrate and honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes. Willie Mays' legacy and the memories of his contributions to the game will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts of all those present during this poignant event.