The Passing of a Legend
The world of baseball mourns the loss of one of its greatest figures, Willie Mays, who passed away at the age of 93. This inner-circle baseball great left an indelible mark on the sport, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Mays' death came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, the very place where his illustrious big-league baseball career commenced. The upcoming game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field will now serve not only as a celebration of Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues but also as a tribute to Mays' remarkable life and career.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and was raised in the mill towns surrounding Birmingham. A gifted multi-sport athlete, Mays showcased his talents during his high school years, playing outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Mays also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons, where his extraordinary skills caught the attention of Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16 years old, Mays signed with the Black Barons, but his father insisted he complete his high school education. Consequently, Mays could only play 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 managing two hits against Chet Brewer. A broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson soon opened the door for Mays to take over the center field position.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's spacious outfield provided Mays with the perfect stage to showcase his immense talents. In the wake of Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, scouts increasingly turned their attention to the Negro Leagues, and Mays did not go unnoticed. In 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays posted a batting average of .233/.313/.326. The 10 hits he accumulated at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics.
In 1948, the Black Barons were a formidable team, finishing the season with a 63-28-2 record. They triumphed over the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, a series in which Mays had seven hits and six walks. Although the Black Barons ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' impressive play, even while participating only once a week, hinted at his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first 10 major-league hits were notched at Rickwood Field, and it is only fitting that baseball will say goodbye to him at the same storied location. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Mays had shared his hopes that it would inspire the next generation of athletes: "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it."
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The event in Mays' honor is scheduled around Juneteenth next year and will celebrate Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. In Mays' own words: "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." As fans and players gather at Rickwood Field, the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes will be honored and remembered. Mays' legacy and the memories he left behind will resonate deeply during the event, ensuring that his contributions to the sport continue to inspire and captivate future generations.