The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, died at the age of 93. He passed away just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field. This field holds significant historical value, as it was the very place where Mays’ illustrious big-league baseball career began.
On Thursday evening, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field. This event will serve as a celebration of Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, fans and organizers had hoped that Mays would attend this meaningful event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to make it. Tragically, the following day, Willie Mays passed away.
Despite his absence, the evening is expected to be filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance. His journey to baseball greatness began at this very field, and although he will not physically be there, his legacy will undoubtedly be felt by all who attend.
The Early Years
Born in 1931, during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. He was a gifted multi-sport athlete throughout his high school years. His talent was unmistakable as he played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. He also played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, who first took notice of Mays' extraordinary abilities. Recognizing his potential, Davis took Mays under his wing and helped pave the way for his eventual signing with the Black Barons at the tender age of 16. However, Mays' father insisted that he finish high school, leading to a somewhat unconventional path to the big leagues.
The Unconventional Path
Due to his father's insistence on completing high school, Mays could only 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 impressively notching two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer. A broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson subsequently allowed Mays to move to center field, where he truly began to shine.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided the ideal stage for Mays to showcase his remarkable abilities. At this time, scouts were increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues, especially following Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947. Mays' performance was nothing short of remarkable, playing 10 games for the Black Barons and achieving a .233/.313/.326 batting average. The 10 hits he recorded at Rickwood are included in his official MLB statistics.
In 1948, the Black Barons were a dominant force, 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 the series. Although the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' frequent, high-level play on weekends was already a clear indicator of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays’ first 10 major-league hits were made at Rickwood Field, a place steeped in history and significance. It is fitting that baseball will bid him farewell at the very place where his journey began. “It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it,” Mays once commented, reflecting on the importance of passing on the legacy of the game to future generations.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., was once the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year's event, scheduled around Juneteenth, will honor Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mays had said, "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. Willie Mays' legacy and memories will resonate deeply during this event, preserving the impact and inspiration he brought to the game and its countless followers.