The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93, marking the end of an era. His death came tragically just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, a site synonymous with his rise to baseball immortality.
Rickwood Field holds a special place in the annals of baseball history. It was here that Mays embarked on his remarkable big-league baseball career. This Thursday evening, San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a commemorative game at Rickwood Field. This event will celebrate Mays, the storied venue, and the Negro Leagues—a chapter of baseball history that significantly shaped Mays' career.
While there had been lingering hopes that Mays would attend the event, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday that he would not be present. Sadly, Willie Mays passed away the following day. Despite his absence, the evening will be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' unparalleled brilliance. The journey to his baseball greatness indeed began at Rickwood Field, laying the foundation for an extraordinary legacy.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Even in his youth, Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete, making a name for himself in high school. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit.
His burgeoning talent eventually led him to the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons. Piper Davis, then-manager of the Black Barons, quickly noticed Mays' exceptional skills, setting the stage for his future in professional baseball.
The Unconventional Path
At the age of 16, Willie Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his journey was far from typical. Mays' father insisted that he finish high school, restricting him to playing in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. In a remarkable debut, Mays played left field, batted seventh, and secured two hits against famed pitcher Chet Brewer. When center fielder Bobby Robinson broke his leg, Mays seized the opportunity to play center field, a position where he would eventually achieve legendary status.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided the perfect stage for Mays to showcase his extraordinary abilities. This drew the attention of scouts, particularly after Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947 broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. In just 10 games with the Black Barons, Mays posted a .233/.313/.326 batting average. His 10 hits at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics.
In 1948, the Black Barons boasted a formidable 63-28-2 record and narrowly edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed significantly with seven hits and six walks during the series. Although the Black Barons were eventually defeated by the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' performance illuminated his star potential and heralded his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ first 10 major-league hits took place at Rickwood Field, making it a poignant location for baseball to bid him farewell. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," one can almost hear Mays saying, echoing his sentiments about the event.
Conclusion
As the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., Rickwood Field was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues and holds a rich tapestry of baseball history. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will pay homage to Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. Reflecting on this moment, Mays once 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."
Indeed, Mays' legacy and the memories of his career will resonate within the walls of Rickwood Field during this commemorative event. Fans and players will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' storied contributions to the game are remembered for generations to come.