The Passing of a Legend
Baseball lost one of its most iconic figures this week when 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, a venue with deep ties to Mays' illustrious career.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field this Thursday evening in a celebration dedicated to Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there had been hope that Mays would attend this commemorative event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend. Sadly, the following day, Willie Mays passed away.
The upcoming evening event will still be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance on the baseball field. Rickwood Field holds a special place in the heart of Mays' journey to baseball greatness, being the site where his big-league career first began.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Even in high school, it was clear that Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team, later moving up to play for a semi-pro outfit.
Among his early career ventures was playing for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, quickly noticed Mays' talent and potential.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16, Willie Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school, which limited Mays to 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 recording two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer.
It was a twist of fate that allowed Mays to claim the center field position when Bobby Robinson, the then center fielder, suffered a broken leg. Mays seized this opportunity to showcase his exceptional talents.
Scouting the Prodigy
The expansive outfield of Rickwood Field provided the perfect canvas for Mays to exhibit his abilities. Scouts, who were keenly interested in the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut, took notice. During his 10 games for the Black Barons, Mays had a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Interestingly, his 10 hits at Rickwood are included in his official MLB stats.
In 1948, the Black Barons were a dominant team, culminating in a 63-28-2 record. They edged past the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Throughout the series, Mays had seven hits and six walks but the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Even with limited playing time, Mays' burgeoning talent was undeniably evident.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major-league hits occurred at Rickwood Field, and fittingly, baseball will commemorate his legacy at the same historic venue. Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event is scheduled around Juneteenth next year and will honor Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mays had remarked, "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."
Willie Mays' legacy and memories will indeed 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 celebrated and remembered for generations to come.