The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93. His passing occurred just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, where his big-league baseball career began.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening. This event, dedicated to celebrating Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues, promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. Until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. Sadly, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend. On Tuesday, the baseball world mourned as Willie Mays passed away.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression, and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. A gifted multi-sport athlete in high school, Mays showcased his talent not just in baseball but across various sports. He played in the outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit. Further honing his skills, he also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. It was during this time that Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, noticed Mays' extraordinary potential.
The Unconventional Path
At the young age of 16, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted he finish high school first. Adhering to his father's wishes, Mays could only play 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 notching two hits against the seasoned pitcher Chet Brewer. A stroke of fate allowed Mays to start in center field after a broken leg sidelined Bobby Robinson.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided Mays with ample opportunity to display his remarkable abilities. The wave of major league scouts drawn to the Negro Leagues after Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut was thrilled by Mays' prowess. Over 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays compiled a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Despite his limited time on the field, the 10 hits Mays made at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons were a formidable team in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record. They edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks. Unfortunately, the team fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Even playing just once a week, Mays' performance served as a testament to his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' journey to baseball immortality began at Rickwood Field, where he recorded his first 10 major-league hits. This historic ballpark, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., also served as the setting for what would become a poignant farewell to one of baseball's greatest heroes. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer and Giants legend Willie Mays, a Birmingham native, at Rickwood Field.
"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 once reflected.
The spirit of Willie Mays will undoubtedly resonate at Rickwood Field during the event, not only honoring a legendary career but also inspiring future generations. Fans and players alike will come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Mays' contributions to the sport and his memories remain vibrant for years to come.