The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93, leaving the sports world in a state of mourning. The legendary baseball icon passed away just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the historic ballpark where his big-league career began.
The event, scheduled for Thursday evening, will feature a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals. This celebration will not only honor the legacy of Willie Mays but also commemorate Rickwood Field and the Negro Leagues, which played an essential role in shaping baseball history.
Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. However, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, Mays passed away the following day. Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance, ensuring his journey and legacy are celebrated in the place where his path to greatness began.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Alabama. Even from a young age, Mays exhibited exceptional athleticism, excelling in multiple sports during his high school years. He played in the outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His burgeoning talent caught the eye of many, and he eventually played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, noticed Mays' potential early on. Recognizing his extraordinary abilities, the Black Barons signed Mays at the age of 16. However, Mays' father insisted that he finish high school before committing fully to professional baseball. Consequently, young Willie could only play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He debuted in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and impressively notching two hits against renowned pitcher Chet Brewer.
The Unconventional Path
As Willie Mays continued to display his remarkable talent, unforeseen circumstances created opportunities for him. A broken leg suffered by Bobby Robinson, the team's center fielder, allowed Mays to step into the center field role, where he truly began to shine.
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided the perfect stage for Mays to exhibit his abilities. Scouts, who had flocked to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, were soon captivated by the prodigy. During his stint with the Black Barons, Mays played in 10 games and posted a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Notably, the 10 hits Mays made at Rickwood Field are included in his official Major League Baseball statistics.
In 1948, the Black Barons were a formidable team, boasting a 63-28-2 record. They triumphed over the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing significantly through seven hits and six walks. Ultimately, the Black Barons fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Despite playing only once a week, Mays' performance was a telling sign of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' first 10 major-league hits came at Rickwood Field, marking the inception of an illustrious career. It is deeply poignant that baseball will bid farewell to this legend in the same place where his journey to greatness began. Reflecting on this, Mays once said, "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it."
Rickwood Field holds the distinction of being the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will pay tribute to Hall of Famer and Giants legend Willie Mays. As Mays himself 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' legacy and memories will indelibly resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' contributions to the sport of baseball are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.