The Passing of a Legend
The baseball world mourns the loss of a titan, as Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93. His 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 career began.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening. This event, now imbued with a deeper sense of nostalgia and reverence, will celebrate Mays, Rickwood Field, and the heritage of the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event, but on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. On the following day, Willie Mays departed this world, leaving behind a storied legacy.
The evening will still resound with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance, ensuring that his journey from a young prospect to a baseball icon is remembered by all.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the dark days of the Great Depression. Raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, Mays demonstrated his athletic prowess from a young age. In high school, he was a gifted multi-sport athlete. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Mays also showcased his talents with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons, where he caught the eye of Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager.
The Unconventional Path
Willie Mays’ journey to the major leagues was anything but conventional. At the tender age of 16, the Black Barons signed him to their roster, but with one caveat – his father insisted that he finish high school. This meant Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and recording two hits against the seasoned pitcher Chet Brewer. A broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson soon opened the door for Mays to take over in center field, a position he would come to personify in the years to come.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided Mays with the perfect stage to demonstrate his burgeoning talents. Scouts, drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, took notice. Mays played in 10 games for the Black Barons, posting a .233/.313/.326 batting line. Remarkably, these 10 hits at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics. The Black Barons were a powerhouse in 1948, compiling a 63-28-2 record, and edging the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed significantly, amassing seven hits and six walks, although the Black Barons ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. This early period of playing once a week was a harbinger of Mays' future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first 10 major-league hits were at Rickwood Field, and now, baseball will pay its respects to him at the same historic venue. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said, reflecting on his storied past and its significance for future generations.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year, around Juneteenth, it will honor Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. "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 had said.
Willie Mays' legacy and memories will resonate at Rickwood Field during the event. Fans and players alike will come together to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that his contributions to the sport are never forgotten.