The Passing of a Legend
The baseball world mourns the loss of one of its greatest players, Willie Mays, who passed away at the age of 93. His death came just two days before an event scheduled in his honor at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, the same field where Mays began his illustrious career.
The event, set to feature a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, will proceed as planned. This game, to be held on Thursday evening, will celebrate Mays' legacy, the storied grounds of Rickwood Field, and the important history of the Negro Leagues. Although hopes were high that Mays would make an appearance, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday that he would not attend. Sadly, the following day, the world learned of his passing.
Despite his absence, the evening will undoubtedly be rich with appreciations, memories, and stories highlighting Mays’ undeniable brilliance. His journey to baseball greatness, which also began at Rickwood Field, is one that will continue to inspire future generations.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays grew up in the mill towns surrounding Birmingham. Even from a young age, Mays showcased his athletic prowess, excelling in multiple sports during his high school years. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and soon joined a semi-pro outfit. Mays also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.
It was there that Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, took notice of his talent.
The Unconventional Path
At the age of 16, Mays signed with the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he complete his high school education first. Consequently, Mays 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 Chet Brewer. A subsequent injury to the center fielder, Bobby Robinson, opened the path for Mays to showcase his skills in center field.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field’s expansive outfield provided the perfect stage for Mays to demonstrate his remarkable abilities. The era saw scouts increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's historic MLB debut in 1947. Over 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays recorded a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the hits he made at Rickwood Field form part of his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons were formidable in 1948, boasting an impressive 63-28-2 record. They clinched the Negro American League title by edging out the Kansas City Monarchs. Throughout the series, Mays made his mark with seven hits and six walks. Though the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays’ weekly appearances hinted at his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major-league hits all took place at Rickwood Field, making it fitting that baseball will bid him farewell at the same location. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said of the event.
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, served as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year's event, scheduled around Juneteenth, is set to honor Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Reflecting on his legacy, Mays expressed, "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' enduring legacy and the memories he created will resonate powerfully at Rickwood Field during the upcoming event. Fans and players alike will gather to celebrate and honor the spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that the remarkable story of Willie Mays continues to inspire and influence the generations to come.