The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has died at the age of 93. His death comes just two days before he was set to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field—an event intended to commemorate his illustrious career and profound impact on the sport.
Rickwood Field holds a special place in Mays’ life, as it marked the beginning of his journey in big-league baseball. In a bittersweet twist, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will still proceed with the scheduled game there on Thursday evening, celebrating Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues. Though Mays will not be present, the evening will be filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of his brilliance.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns just outside Birmingham. Even in high school, he stood out as a multi-sport athlete, with an extraordinary set of skills. Playing alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit, Mays quickly made a name for himself. His talent was undeniable, leading him to play for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
Mays’ remarkable abilities did not go unnoticed by Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, who would play a key role in shaping his future.
The Unconventional Path
At the tender age of 16, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school. Consequently, Mays could only participate 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 achieved two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer.
A subsequent injury to center fielder Bobby Robinson allowed Mays to take over center field, further showcasing his talent.
Scouting the Prodigy
The spacious outfield of Rickwood Field presented the ideal venue for Mays to display his impressive skills. After Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947, Major League scouts began paying closer attention to the Negro Leagues. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons, recording a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits he made at Rickwood are included in his official MLB statistics.
In 1948, the Black Barons boasted a record of 63-28-2 and edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays made significant contributions with seven hits and six walks during that series, although the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series.
Even playing just once a week, Mays’ performance was a harbinger of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major-league hits came at Rickwood Field, making it fitting that baseball will honor and 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 once reflected.
Conclusion
As the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., Rickwood Field was the home of 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.
Mays had this to say about the event: "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 the indelible memories he created will deeply resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players will join together to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes.