The Passing of a Legend
The world of baseball mourns the loss of Willie Mays, an inner-circle great who passed away at the age of 93. The baseball legend died just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the same field where his illustrious career began.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field, scheduled for Thursday evening. This event aims to celebrate the life of Willie Mays, Rickwood Field’s historical significance, and the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
Until recently, there was still hope that Mays would attend the event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend. On Tuesday, the baseball world was struck by the news of his passing. Despite his absence, the evening will still be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
The Early Years
Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in 1931, during the hardships of the Great Depression. He was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Alabama, where he quickly showcased his exceptional athletic talent. A gifted multi-sport athlete in high school, Mays began making a name for himself early on.
Playing the outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit, Mays quickly gained recognition. He even played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. It was here that Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, took notice of the prodigious talent at his disposal.
The Unconventional Path
At the tender age of 16, Willie Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he complete his high school education, meaning that Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut came during the second game of a doubleheader where he played left field, batted seventh, and impressively managed two hits against Chet Brewer.
Tragedy struck when the team's center fielder, Bobby Robinson, broke his leg, paving the way for Mays to take over the center field position. It was an opportunity that Mays seized with both hands, showcasing his electrifying talent to all who witnessed.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field provided the perfect canvas for Mays to exhibit his remarkable abilities. Scouts, now turning their attention to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947, were drawn to Mays. He played 10 games for the Black Barons, achieving a batting average of .233/.313/.326. The 10 hits that Mays recorded at Rickwood Field are, in fact, included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons exhibited their dominance with a 63-28-2 record in 1948, narrowly edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays made significant contributions during the series with seven hits and six walks. However, the Black Barons ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Despite only playing once a week, Mays’ performances were indicative of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays’ first 10 major-league hits were gathered at Rickwood Field, and it is at this very field that baseball will bid him farewell. The event promises to be a special day, aimed at inspiring future generations to dream big and pursue their passions.
Rickwood Field holds the distinction of being the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. It was once the venerable home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues and remains a significant landmark in baseball history. The event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will pay homage to Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native, Willie Mays.
Mays once expressed his deep emotional connection to Rickwood Field, saying, "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 resonate throughout Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will come together to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the sport are never forgotten.