The Passing of a Legend
Baseball fans across the world are mourning the loss of Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great who died at the age of 93. The news of his passing came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field. This venue holds special significance, as it was the very place where Mays’ illustrious big-league baseball career began.
On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field to celebrate not just Mays but also the storied history of Rickwood and the Negro Leagues. Until recently, there had been hopes that Mays would be able to 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 will be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. Fans and players alike will come together to commemorate a man whose journey to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the hardships of the Great Depression and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. From his early years, Mays exhibited exceptional talent as a multi-sport athlete in high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His incredible skill did not go unnoticed and soon led to a position with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, who first noticed Mays' extraordinary potential. He signed him onto the team when Mays was just 16 years old.
The Unconventional Path
While signing with the Black Barons was a significant milestone, Mays’ journey had some unique challenges. His father was adamant that he finish high school, meaning Mays could only play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut came in the second game of a doubleheader, where he played left field, batted seventh, and managed two hits against the legendary pitcher Chet Brewer.
A turning point came when center fielder Bobby Robinson broke his leg, allowing Mays to step into the center field position. This move was instrumental in showcasing his talents to a wider audience.
Scouting the Prodigy
The expansive outfield of Rickwood Field provided the perfect stage for Mays to demonstrate his abilities. Scouts began to take an interest in the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947. During his brief stint with the Black Barons, Mays played just 10 games but registered a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Remarkably, the 10 hits he made at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB stats.
The Black Barons had a stellar season in 1948, achieving a 63-28-2 record. They narrowly edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays had seven hits and six walks during that series, contributing to the team's success. However, the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series.
Playing just once a week did little to hinder Mays' burgeoning reputation. It was evident to all who watched that he was destined for greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
The significance of Rickwood Field in Mays' life cannot be overstated. It was the venue where he made his first 10 major-league hits, and now, it will also be the place where baseball bids him a final farewell.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said. Indeed, Rickwood Field, recognized as the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., serves as a testament to the rich history of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.
Scheduled around Juneteenth next year, the event aims to honor Mays' indelible impact on the sport of baseball. The Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native expressed profound emotions about the celebration:
"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."
Willie Mays' legacy and memories will resonate profoundly at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.