The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93. His death came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, a place that holds deep significance for Mays and the baseball community at large. Indeed, it was here that Mays' extraordinary big-league career began.
On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will face off in a game at Rickwood Field. This event will serve as a celebration of Mays, Rickwood Field, and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Though Mays will not be there in person, his spirit will certainly pervade the festivities, filling the evening with appreciations, memories, and tales of his 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 displayed his immense athletic talent across multiple sports during his high school years. He played as an outfielder alongside his father for a local team and then moved on to play for a semi-pro outfit. Eventually, he earned a spot with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It wasn't long before Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, took notice of the young prodigy.
The Unconventional Path
The Black Barons signed Mays when he was just 16 years old, but on the condition insisted upon by his father that he finish high school. Consequently, Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, taking the field as a left fielder, batting seventh, and impressively acquiring two hits against the seasoned pitcher, Chet Brewer.
A twist of fate—a broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson—opened up the center field position for Mays, allowing him to fully showcase his talents.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's spacious outfield was the ideal stage for Mays to demonstrate his extraordinary abilities. Following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, scouts were increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues in search of undiscovered talent. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons in 1948, posting a modest .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits Mays logged at Rickwood Field are included in his official Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics.
That season, the Black Barons had a formidable team, finishing with a 63-28-2 record. They edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays notching seven hits and six walks over the course of the series. Though the Black Barons ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' consistent weekend performances foreshadowed the greatness that lay ahead.
The Legacy of Greatness
Rickwood Field holds a special place in baseball history, as it was the site of Willie Mays' first 10 major-league hits. Now, fittingly, it will also be the place where the baseball world bids him farewell. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays had reflected.
As the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, Rickwood Field was not only the home of the Birmingham Black Barons but also a cornerstone of the Negro Leagues' legacy. The scheduled event, set around Juneteenth next year, aims to pay tribute to Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and 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 had poignantly stated before his passing.
At Rickwood Field, the enduring spirit of Willie Mays will be honored, and his legacy will resonate in the hearts of fans and players alike. The event will serve as a powerful reminder of one of baseball's greatest heroes and the history that paved the way for the sport's evolution. As people gather to celebrate Mays' exceptional life and career, his contributions to baseball will continue to inspire future generations.