The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, one of baseball's inner-circle greats, has 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 poignant location for Mays, as it was there that his illustrious big-league career began.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening. This event aims to celebrate Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays himself would attend the event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be attending. The next day, he passed away.
Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. His journey to baseball greatness, which began at Rickwood Field, will be honored by fans and players alike.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the throes of the Great Depression. He was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Alabama. From a young age, Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete. During his high school years, he played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he eventually played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, recognized Mays' extraordinary talent and signed him to the team when he was just 16 years old. However, Mays' father insisted that he complete his high school education, so he was only allowed to play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field.
The Unconventional Path
Willie Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and recording two hits against renowned pitcher Chet Brewer. A broken leg suffered by the team's center fielder, Bobby Robinson, provided Mays with the opportunity to showcase his skills in center field.
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield allowed Mays to demonstrate his full range of abilities. With the integration of Major League Baseball underway following Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947, scouts began paying closer attention to the Negro Leagues. Mays played ten games for the Black Barons, compiling a .233/.313/.326 batting average. His first ten major-league hits at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons had a powerful season in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record, and narrowly defeating the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. During that series, Mays had seven hits and six walks. Despite their strong performance, the Black Barons lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series.
Playing just once a week for the Black Barons hinted at Mays' future greatness. His brief yet impactful stint with the team was a prelude to an illustrious career that would see him become one of baseball's most iconic figures.
The Legacy of Greatness
Fast forward 75 years from his days with the Birmingham Black Barons, and Rickwood Field continues to hold a special place in Willie Mays' heart. Baseball will say goodbye to him at the same field where his journey toward the Hall of Fame began.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once remarked about this significant event at Rickwood Field. The historic ballpark, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The game is set to take place around Juneteenth next year, a fitting tribute to Mays and the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
Reflecting on his time at Rickwood, Mays once said, "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 one of baseball's greatest heroes, the legacy and memories of Willie Mays will resonate through Rickwood Field. His enduring spirit and unmatched contributions to the game will be celebrated, ensuring that his legendary status and the rich history of the Negro Leagues continue to inspire future generations.