The Passing of a Legend: Willie Mays
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93, just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field. This loss comes as a profound blow not just to the world of baseball but to sports fans and admirers worldwide.
Up until recently, there had been hope that Mays would attend the event, a celebration not only of his incredible career but also of Rickwood Field and the Negro Leagues. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Less than a day later, on Tuesday, Mays left us, leaving behind a legacy rich in history and achievement.
Despite his absence, the event will remain a night full of appreciations, memories, and tributes to Mays' brilliance. The journey of one of baseball's greatest talents had begun right at Rickwood Field, making it a fitting venue to honor his life's work.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression, in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Alabama. From an early age, he exhibited exceptional talent as a multi-sport athlete during his high school years. Playing outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit, Mays showcased his skills early on. He also spent time with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, who first noticed the young Mays' talent.
The Unconventional Path
At the tender age of 16, Mays was signed by the Birmingham Black Barons. Despite his early induction into professional baseball, his father was insistent that he finish high school. As a result, Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field and batting seventh. On that day, he had two hits against the formidable Chet Brewer. A fortuitous turn of events allowed Mays to shift to center field, following a broken leg injury suffered by the team's center fielder, Bobby Robinson.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield proved to be the perfect stage for Mays to demonstrate his prodigious abilities. Scouts, who had increasingly been drawn to the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut, took notice. During his time with the Black Barons, Mays played 10 games, accumulating a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits he made at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB stats.
In 1948, the Black Barons put up an impressive 63-28-2 record, edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed seven hits and six walks during that series. Though the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' future greatness was undeniable. Playing just once a week, he managed to make significant contributions to his team's success.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays’ career witnessed many remarkable achievements, but it all began at Rickwood Field. It is only fitting that baseball will bid farewell to this legend at the same place that marked the beginning of his journey toward greatness. As the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals prepare to play a game at Rickwood Field in his honor, it will be a special day filled with memories and inspiration for younger generations.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," stated Mays, reflecting on his remarkable journey.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, served as home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer and Giants legend Willie Mays, a Birmingham native.
Reflecting on his storied career, 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."
Mays' legacy and memories will undoubtedly resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. For fans and players alike, it will be a momentous occasion to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes.