The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has passed away at the age of 93. He left us just days before an anticipated honoring at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field. This very ballpark was where Mays' illustrious big-league baseball career began.
On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will take to the field at Rickwood. This event was meant to be a celebration of Mays, the venerable ballpark, and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Until recently, there was hope that Mays would be present for the occasion. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend. Sadly, just a day later, on Tuesday, Willie Mays passed away.
Despite his absence, the evening will still be brimming with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. It’s a poignant reminder of how Willie Mays' journey to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the harsh years of the Great Depression. Raised in the mill towns surrounding Birmingham, Mays demonstrated his athletic prowess early on, excelling in multiple sports during high school. He showcased his budding baseball talent playing in the outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit.
Mays' skill and promise caught the eye of Piper Davis, manager of the Birmingham Black Barons. Mays quickly found a place on the team, and thus began his unconventional yet extraordinary path to baseball stardom.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16 years old, Mays signed with the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that Willie complete his high school education, so he could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and securing two hits against the seasoned pitcher Chet Brewer.
A pivotal moment occurred when center fielder Bobby Robinson broke his leg, permitting Mays to take over his position. This opportunity allowed Mays to showcase his remarkable talents in center field.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield was the perfect stage for Mays to exhibit his exceptional abilities. Scouts, already drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, took notice. During his 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays posted a .233/.313/.326 batting average. The 10 hits he recorded at Rickwood were included in his official MLB statistics.
The 1948 season saw the Black Barons at their strongest, finishing with a 63-28-2 record. They narrowly bested the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing significantly; he tallied seven hits and six walks during the series. The Black Barons, however, were defeated by the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series.
Even playing just once a week, it was evident that Mays was destined for greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' initial 10 major-league hits were at Rickwood Field. Fittingly, baseball will bid him farewell in the same historic place. Reflecting on the event, Mays once commented, "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it."
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The planned event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native, Willie Mays. As Mays poignantly stated, "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 resonate at Rickwood Field during this poignant event. Both fans and players will have the opportunity to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' contributions to the game are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.