The Passing of a Legend
Baseball fans across the world are mourning the loss of Willie Mays, one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport, who passed away at the age of 93. His death occurred just two days before he was to be honored at a special event at Rickwood Field in Birmingham—a field that holds significant historical importance in Mays' career.
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, is where Mays' major league career began. The upcoming game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, set to be played at Rickwood Field, was meant to celebrate the legacies of Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues. Regrettably, Mays will not be physically present at this event, but his memory and contributions to the game will undoubtedly be a focal point of the evening.
Recently, there had been 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, the very next day, the baseball legend passed away. Despite this loss, the event will carry on, filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance on and off the field.
At its core, this celebration is more than just about a single player; it’s also about remembering the platform that gave rise to such greatness—Rickwood Field—and honoring the rich history of the Negro Leagues.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and grew up in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Even from a young age, Mays was a gifted athlete, excelling in multiple sports throughout high school. His love for baseball led him to play alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-professional outfit.
Mays’ talent did not go unnoticed. He caught the attention of Piper Davis, the manager of the Birmingham Black Barons. Identifying the prodigious talent in young Mays, the Black Barons signed him at the young age of 16.
The Unconventional Path
Despite showing immense promise, Mays' father insisted that he complete his high school education. This limited Mays to playing only in weekend home games at Rickwood Field for the Black Barons. Nevertheless, he quickly proved his mettle. In his debut, which was the second game of a doubleheader, he played left field, batted seventh, and notched two hits off the formidable Chet Brewer.
When center fielder Bobby Robinson suffered a broken leg, the opportunity for Mays to play center field opened up. Here, he dazzled scouts and fans alike with his exceptional abilities.
Scouting the Prodigy
The expansive outfield at Rickwood Field served as the perfect stage for Mays to showcase his talents. With the barrier-breaking debut of Jackie Robinson in 1947, Major League scouts began to keenly observe the Negro Leagues. Mays played 10 games for the Black Barons that season, posting a batting average of .233/.313/.326. These statistics, including 10 hits at Rickwood Field, are etched into his official MLB record.
The 1948 season was a strong one for the Black Barons, who finished with an impressive record of 63-28-2 and bested the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays had seven hits and six walks during the series, showcasing the burgeoning greatness that would characterize his career. Though the Black Barons fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays’ sporadic appearances were already a portent of his legendary status in the making.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major league hits came at Rickwood Field. It is a testament to the completeness of his journey that baseball will bid him farewell at the very same place. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," a sentiment that seems especially poignant now.
Conclusion
The upcoming event at Rickwood Field, held around Juneteenth next year, will serve as a homage to the enduring legacy of Willie Mays, the Giants legend, and Birmingham native. Mays once 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."
Indeed, as fans and players gather to honor him, the spirit and legacy of one of baseball’s greatest heroes will resonate deeply at Rickwood Field.