The Passing of a Legend
The baseball world mourns the loss of Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, who passed away at the age of 93. Mays left an indelible mark on the sport, and his death comes merely two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, the ballpark where his illustrious big-league career first began.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will take the field at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening in an event planned to celebrate Mays, the historic ballpark, and the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend this meaningful event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, he passed away the following day. Nonetheless, the evening will still be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance—a fitting tribute to one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression, and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. From an early age, it was clear that Mays was a gifted athlete. In high school, he excelled in multiple sports, but it was baseball where he truly shined. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and soon moved on to a semi-pro outfit. He eventually played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons, where his talents were quickly noticed.
Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, recognized Mays' potential and signed him to the team when Mays was just 16 years old. Despite his young age, Mays' father insisted that he finish high school, which limited him to playing 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 notching two hits against the seasoned pitcher Chet Brewer.
A twist of fate allowed Mays to play center field when the team's regular center fielder, Bobby Robinson, broke his leg. This move showcased Mays' extraordinary abilities and set the stage for his rise to baseball stardom.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's vast outfield provided ample space for Mays to display his range and arm strength, qualities that did not go unnoticed by scouts. Following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking major league debut in 1947, scouts were increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues, searching for more black talent to integrate into Major League Baseball.
Even in his limited appearances, Mays made a significant impact. He played 10 games for the Black Barons, registering a .233/.313/.326 batting average. The hits Mays recorded at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB stats, cementing the ballpark's place in baseball history. The Black Barons, with Mays’ occasional contributions, compiled a formidable 63-28-2 record in 1948, edging the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Although the Black Barons lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' performance—seven hits and six walks in the series—showcased his burgeoning talent.
The Legacy of Greatness
Rickwood Field holds a special place in Willie Mays' storied career. It was on this field that he recorded his first 10 major-league hits, setting the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated careers in baseball history. Now, baseball will bid farewell to Mays in the same place where his legendary journey began.
The planned event at Rickwood Field aims to inspire future generations, commemorating Mays' unparalleled legacy. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once remarked.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The event, scheduled near Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. Reflecting on the event, Mays shared, "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' legacy and memories will undoubtedly resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.