The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has passed away at the age of 93. Mays died just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a venue that signifies the beginning of his illustrious career in major league baseball.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening in an event that will celebrate Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues. Although there was hope that Mays would be able to attend the event, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, he passed away on Tuesday.
Despite his absence, the evening will be filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' extraordinary career. Mays’ journey to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field, making the venue an apt location for his tribute.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression. He was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. A gifted multi-sport athlete in high school, Mays played outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit. He also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, quickly noticed his talent.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16 years old, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school first. Consequently, 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 notched two hits against the formidable Chet Brewer. A broken leg sustained by center fielder Bobby Robinson allowed Mays to take over the center field position.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's extensive outfield provided ample opportunity for Mays to showcase his talents. Talent scouts, increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, took note. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons, achieving a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits Mays recorded at Rickwood are included in his official MLB stats.
In 1948, the Black Barons were a dominant force, boasting a 63-28-2 record. They narrowly edged the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks during the series. Although the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays's performance indicated his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major league hits took place at Rickwood Field, and it is fitting that baseball will bid him farewell at the same venue. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays had remarked earlier.
Rickwood Field and its Historical Significance
Rickwood Field is the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. It served as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event has been scheduled around Juneteenth next year, aiming to honor Mays, a Hall of Famer and Giants Legend, and commemorate his legacy as a Birmingham native.
Mays once reflected, "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. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, celebrating a career that began on this very field and stretched to legendary proportions.