The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has died at the age of 93. The news of his passing comes just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a significant venue in Mays' storied career. This loss adds a poignant layer to an event already steeped in history and reverence.
Rickwood Field is where Mays began his big-league baseball career, making it a fitting location to celebrate his legacy. The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening in a celebration honoring Mays, the historic field, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. By Tuesday, Willie Mays had passed away.
Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. Fans, players, and the broader community will gather to commemorate a legend whose journey to baseball greatness began right at Rickwood Field.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression, and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Alabama. Even in his youth, Mays displayed an extraordinary athleticism, proving to be a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team before moving on to a semi-pro team. His talents did not go unnoticed; he eventually played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, who recognized Mays' exceptional skills and signed him to the team at the age of 16. However, Mays' father insisted that he finish high school, which limited his participation to the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field.
The Unconventional Path
Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field and batting seventh. In that game, he recorded two hits against Chet Brewer. A fortuitous turn of events—center fielder Bobby Robinson breaking his leg—opened an opportunity for Mays to play center field, the position where he would leave an indelible mark on baseball history.
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield served as a proving ground for Mays' wide array of talents. Scouts had begun paying close attention to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's barrier-breaking debut in 1947, and Mays' performances captured their interest. He played ten games for the Black Barons, posting a .233/.313/.326 batting average. These stats include the ten hits he made at Rickwood that are counted in his official MLB record.
The Black Barons were a powerhouse in 1948, achieving a 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. Although the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' ability to shine even when playing just once a week was a clear indicator of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' first ten major-league hits took place at Rickwood Field. In a full-circle moment, baseball will bid farewell to him at the same iconic venue. The upcoming event is not only a tribute to Mays but also serves as a celebration of the rich history of Rickwood Field and its significance to the Negro Leagues.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," read a statement reflecting the resonance of Mays' legacy.
Rickwood Field holds the title of the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, once serving as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons. The forthcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor baseball Hall of Famer and Giants legend Willie Mays, as well as the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues.
Mays once expressed his deep feelings about the event: "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."
As fans and players gather to honor his memory, Willie Mays' legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, not just in Birmingham but across the entire world of baseball. The spirit of one of the game's greatest heroes will live on, celebrated and cherished at Rickwood Field.