The Passing of a Legend
Baseball aficionados around the world mourn the loss of Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great who passed away at the age of 93. His death came just two days before an event at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, where he was to be honored. Mays' illustrious big-league baseball career began at this historic ballpark, making the upcoming celebration even more poignant.
On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field. This event aims to celebrate not only Mays but also Rickwood and the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there had been hope that Mays would attend the event. However, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, he passed away the following day.
Despite his absence, the evening is expected to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' unparalleled brilliance. His journey from a young boy in the mill towns outside Birmingham to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field, and it was a journey that would cement his legacy as one of baseball's greatest heroes.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the throes of the Great Depression. He grew up in the mill towns surrounding Birmingham, where his athletic prowess became evident from a young age. Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school and played alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His talent on the field caught the attention of Piper Davis, the manager of the Birmingham Black Barons, a team in the Negro Leagues.
The Unconventional Path
At age 16, Mays was signed by the Birmingham Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school, which restricted him to playing only in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He debuted in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and managing two hits against Chet Brewer. An opportunity opened up for him to play center field after an injury to Bobby Robinson, the team's regular center fielder.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided Mays the perfect stage to showcase his talents. At the time, scouts were increasingly turning their attention to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's historic 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. During his early tenure with the Black Barons, Mays played 10 games, achieving a batting average of .233/.313/.326. While his stats from these games may seem modest, they include 10 hits recorded at Rickwood Field, officially part of his Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics.
The Black Barons were a formidable team in 1948, boasting 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 they ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' performance hinted at the greatness to come.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first 10 major-league hits were recorded at Rickwood Field, the venue where baseball will bid farewell to this legend. As Mays himself poignantly expressed, "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."
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year, an event scheduled around Juneteenth will honor the Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native, Willie Mays. Although Mays will not be physically present, his legacy and the memories of his achievements will resonate deeply during the event.
Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes. The celebration will serve as a testament to Mays' impact on the sport and the lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues. As stories of his brilliance are recounted, Mays' contributions to baseball will continue to inspire future generations.