The Passing of a Legend
Baseball lost one of its all-time greats when Willie Mays, the legendary center fielder, passed away at the age of 93. Mays' death came just two days before a scheduled event at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, where he was set to be honored. The event will go on as planned, now serving as a tribute to celebrate Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues.
The historic Rickwood Field holds a significant place in Willie Mays' life. It was there that his big-league baseball career began, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons. This Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will take the field at Rickwood, commemorating Mays' indelible mark on baseball history.
Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. Unfortunately, on the Monday before his passing, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Willie Mays passed away the following day, leaving the baseball community in mourning. Nevertheless, the upcoming evening at Rickwood Field will be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Mays showcased his athletic prowess early on, becoming a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit.
Mays' talent did not go unnoticed. He played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, recognized Mays' potential and brought him into the team.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school, so Mays could only play 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 recorded two hits against Chet Brewer. Later, a broken leg sidelined center fielder Bobby Robinson, allowing Mays to take over the center field position.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field provided the perfect stage for young Mays to demonstrate his exceptional abilities. During this period, scouts were increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947. Mays played ten games for the Black Barons, boasting a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the ten hits he made at Rickwood are included in his official Major League Baseball stats.
The Black Barons were formidable in 1948, posting a 63-28-2 record. They narrowly edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks. However, the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Despite only playing once a week, Mays' future greatness was already apparent.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' journey to baseball stardom truly began at Rickwood Field, where he recorded his first ten major-league hits. Fittingly, baseball now says goodbye to him at the same revered location. The upcoming event will serve as a special day, filled with memories that will inspire future generations.
Rickwood Field, known as the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The game scheduled around Juneteenth next year will honor 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," Mays had noted before his passing. "We can't forget what got us here, and that was the Negro Leagues for so many of us."
The legacy and memories of Willie Mays will deeply resonate at 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 Willie Mays' contributions to the game are never forgotten.