The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has died at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that forever altered the sport. His passing comes just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, a location deeply woven into the fabric of his career. This week’s event at Rickwood Field, featuring a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, will now serve as a poignant tribute not only to Rickwood and the Negro Leagues but also to the enduring brilliance of Willie Mays.
Beginnings at Rickwood Field
Mays’ big-league career began at Rickwood Field, and it was the hope of many that he would attend the upcoming celebration. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend. On Tuesday, Willie Mays passed away, creating a somber note over the planned festivities. Nevertheless, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' unparalleled talent and contributions to baseball.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the hardships of the Great Depression, Mays was raised in the mill towns surrounding Birmingham. Even as a high school athlete, his diverse talents were evident—excelling in multiple sports. Mays played outfield alongside his father for a local team before stepping up to a semi-professional outfit. He also spent time with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons, where his prodigious talent quickly caught the eye of Black Barons’ manager Piper Davis.
The Unconventional Path
The Birmingham Black Barons signed Mays when he was just 16 years old, a move that was uncommon for athletes of his age at the time. His father, however, insisted that young Willie complete high school, which limited him to playing only in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field and batting seventh. In this first game, he already demonstrated his batting prowess with two hits against famed pitcher Chet Brewer.
A broken leg sustained by the team's center fielder, Bobby Robinson, opened the door for Mays to showcase his skills in center field—a position he would later dominate in Major League Baseball.
Scouting the Prodigy
The vast outfield of Rickwood Field provided the perfect stage for Mays to exhibit his extraordinary abilities. The debut of Jackie Robinson in 1947 had drawn significant attention from scouts to the Negro Leagues, and it wasn't long before Mays was firmly on their radar. Over ten games with the Black Barons, he managed a batting average of .233/.313/.326, but the stats only tell part of the story. The ten hits Mays registered at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics, serving as an early indicator of the greatness to come.
The Black Barons themselves were a powerful force in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record and narrowly edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Although they lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' performances—marked by seven hits and six walks throughout the series—were a testament to his burgeoning talent.
Even playing only once a week, it was clear that Mays was destined for greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' journey to becoming one of the greatest baseball players began with his first ten major-league hits at Rickwood Field. It is this same venue where baseball will now say its farewells to him. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once remarked about the significance of the upcoming event.
Enduring Memories
Rickwood Field holds the distinction of being the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. It was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, making it the perfect venue to honor Willie Mays' legacy. Scheduled around Juneteenth next year, the event will commemorate Mays' contributions, not only as a Hall of Famer and Giants legend but also as a Birmingham native who carved out a significant piece of baseball history.
"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 once reflected.
Conclusion
As fans and players gather at Rickwood Field for the upcoming event, the spirit of Willie Mays will undoubtedly resonate throughout the ballpark. It will be a day to celebrate not just the memory of one of baseball's greatest heroes, but also the enduring impact of the Negro Leagues—a legacy that made stars like Willie Mays possible.