The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93. His death occurred just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a place that holds a significant place in his storied career.
Rickwood Field marked the beginning of Mays' big-league baseball journey, making it a fitting location for a tribute. On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field to celebrate Mays, the historic field, and the Negro Leagues.
There was hope that Mays would attend the event, but on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle of his decision not to attend. Tragically, he passed away on Tuesday. The event will nonetheless be rich with appreciations, memories, and stories of Mays' brilliance, ensuring that his legacy endures.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays grew up in the mill towns outside Birmingham. His natural athletic talent was evident early on, excelling in multiple sports during high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His abilities shone brightly enough to catch the eye of Piper Davis, the manager of the Birmingham Black Barons.
The Unconventional Path
The Black Barons signed Mays at age 16, but his father insisted on him finishing high school. As a result, Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut came in the second game of a doubleheader, where he played left field, batted seventh, and recorded two hits against Chet Brewer.
A fortuitous opportunity arose when center fielder Bobby Robinson broke his leg, allowing Mays to take over in center field. This position would later become synonymous with his name in the annals of baseball history.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided the perfect stage for Mays to showcase his astonishing talents. Following Jackie Robinson's landmark debut in 1947, scouts increasingly turned their attention to the Negro Leagues, eager to find the next breakout star.
Mays played ten games for the Black Barons, boasting a .233/.313/.326 batting average. His improvement was swift and noticeable, turning in ten hits at Rickwood that were included in his official MLB stats. The Black Barons had a stellar 1948 season with a 63-28-2 record, edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed seven hits and six walks during the series. Despite their success, the Black Barons fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Even playing once a week, Mays exhibited signs of the extraordinary future that lay ahead.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first ten major-league hits came at Rickwood Field, and it is at this historic venue that baseball will say its goodbye to one of its greatest players. As the players and fans gather, it will be a time of inspiration and reflection on a life steeped in baseball greatness.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays had said. His words reflect his hope that the next generation will draw motivation from his journey and the rich history of the Negro Leagues.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year's event, scheduled around Juneteenth, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Reflecting on the upcoming tribute, Mays had 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."
During the event, Mays' legacy and memories will resonate powerfully throughout Rickwood Field. Fans and players alike will honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' contributions and impact on the game are remembered for generations to come.