The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93. He passed away just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a site of tremendous historical significance to his illustrious career.
Mays' big-league baseball career began at Rickwood Field, and the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play a game there on Thursday evening. This event aims to celebrate Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues, a crucial chapter in baseball history.
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, Mays passed away the following day. Despite his absence, 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, and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. From a young age, Mays demonstrated exceptional talent as a 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 donned the uniform for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, took notice of Mays' promise and signed him at the age of 16. Mays’ father, however, insisted that his son finish high school before fully committing to professional baseball. 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 secured two hits against the formidable Chet Brewer. When center fielder Bobby Robinson suffered a broken leg, Mays was given the opportunity to play center field, a position he would later dominate.
The Unconventional Path
Rickwood Field's spacious outfield served as a platform for Mays to showcase his incredible abilities. Around this time, interest in the Negro Leagues surged following Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons, boasting a batting average of .233/.313/.326. The hits Mays accumulated at Rickwood Field during this period are included in his official MLB statistics.
The 1948 season was a powerful one for the Black Barons, who finished with an impressive 63-28-2 record. They edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks. Despite losing to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' weekly performances hinted at the future greatness he would achieve.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' journey to baseball immortality began at Rickwood Field, a venue that witnessed his first 10 major-league hits. It is fitting, then, that baseball will say goodbye to him at the same place. The celebration at Rickwood Field is scheduled around Juneteenth next year, honoring the legacy of Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Mays reflected on the significance of Rickwood Field in a poignant statement: "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."
The event will undoubtedly serve as a powerful reminder of Mays' enduring legacy and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the spirit and contributions of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' remarkable story continues to inspire future generations.
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event promises to be a poignant celebration of the life and career of one of the sport's most legendary figures, capturing the essence of a bygone era while looking forward to the future of baseball.