The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93. His passing came just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the historic ballpark where his storied big-league baseball career began.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening. This event serves as a celebration of Willie Mays, Rickwood Field, and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there had been hope that Mays would attend the event. However, on Monday, Mays confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to come. By Tuesday, the world had lost Willie Mays.
Though the legendary player will no longer be present, the evening will still be filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. A significant part of his journey to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field, making the venue not just a landmark but a vessel of countless precious memories.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression. He was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham, where he showcased extraordinary athletic talent from a young age. Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete during his high school years, but baseball was his true calling. He played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Moreover, he played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons, where his impressive skills caught the eye of Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons.
The Unconventional Path
The Black Barons signed Mays at the tender age of 16. However, Willie Mays' father insisted that he should finish high school first. Consequently, Mays was only allowed to play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut was a memorable one, taking place in the second game of a doubleheader. Mays played left field, batted seventh, and managed two hits against the formidable Chet Brewer. After center fielder Bobby Robinson suffered a broken leg, Mays was given the opportunity to play center field—a position he would make his own in the years to come.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided the perfect stage for Willie Mays to demonstrate his considerable abilities. Following Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947, scouts had begun to flock to the Negro Leagues in search of fresh talent. In his brief 10-game stint with the Black Barons, Mays posted a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Remarkably, those 10 hits he achieved at Rickwood are included in his official Major League Baseball statistics.
The Black Barons were a powerhouse team in 1948, boasting a 63-28-2 record. They narrowly edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks during that fiercely contested series. Though the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' exceptional talent was evident to all who watched.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' first 10 major-league hits occurred at Rickwood Field, making it a fitting venue for baseball to say its goodbyes to one of its greatest legends. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays had often said about the upcoming event. Unfortunately, he won't be present in person, but his spirit and legacy will undoubtedly resonate through the very field where his remarkable career began.
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The event scheduled around Juneteenth next year will honor this Hall of Famer, this Giants Legend, and this Birmingham native—Willie Mays. "It has been 75 years since I played for the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field," Mays once reflected. "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 to celebrate his life and achievements, Willie Mays' legacy and memories will continue to inspire future generations. The enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes will forever be a part of Rickwood Field.