The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has died at the age of 93. His passing occurred just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, a place of significant historical importance to Mays' illustrious career.
San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening, celebrating Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would attend the event. On Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, Willie Mays passed away the following day.
Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays’ unparalleled brilliance on the diamond. His journey to baseball greatness began precisely at Rickwood Field, marking the start of a legendary career.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born during the Great Depression in 1931 and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. A gifted multi-sport athlete in high school, Mays played outfield alongside his father for a local team before transitioning to a semi-pro outfit. He also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. It was here that Piper Davis, manager of the Black Barons, spotted Mays' extraordinary potential.
The Unconventional Path
At the tender age of 16, Mays was signed by the Black Barons, though his father insisted he finish high school. As a result, Mays was only able to 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 managing two hits off the experienced Chet Brewer. A twist of fate — a broken leg of center fielder Bobby Robinson — allowed Mays to migrate to center field, a position he would come to redefine.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield offered a perfect stage for Mays to showcase his skills. With Major League scouts increasingly interested in the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking debut in 1947, Mays caught their attention.
In his 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays had a modest batting average of .233/.313/.326, which belied the potential that keen observers could perceive. Notably, the 10 hits Mays recorded at Rickwood are included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons were formidable competitors in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record and edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays had seven hits and six walks throughout the series, although the Black Barons eventually fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Playing just once a week, Mays exhibited glimpses of his immense future promise.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' first 10 major-league hits were at Rickwood Field, and it is fitting that baseball will say goodbye to him at the same place. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said. His impact on the game and those who watched him play is immeasurable.
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, holds a special place in baseball history. It was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, a team that played a crucial role in Mays' development. The scheduled event, coinciding with Juneteenth next year, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Mays once reflected, "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, they will honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball’s greatest heroes. The memories and legacy of Willie Mays will undoubtedly resonate through the ages, inspiring future generations to come.