The Passing of a Legend: Willie Mays
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has passed away at the age of 93. The loss is felt deeply across the baseball community and beyond. Mays died just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field, the very place where his incredible big-league baseball career began.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening in Mays' honor. This event is not just a celebration of Willie Mays, but also of Rickwood Field and the Negro Leagues, both of which played pivotal roles in his early career. Although there had been hope that Mays could attend, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday that he would not be able to make it. He passed away the following day.
Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance on the field. His journey to baseball greatness began at Rickwood Field, a venue that will forever be linked with his legacy.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. He was a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school, showing talent not only in baseball but also in other sports. Playing outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit, Mays honed his skills from an early age. He even played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the manager of the Birmingham Black Barons, who noticed the young Mays and saw his potential.
The Unconventional Path
The Black Barons signed Mays when he was just 16 years old. However, at his father's insistence, Mays continued his high school education and could only play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. Mays made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and achieving two hits against the legendary Chet Brewer. A fortunate break for Mays came when center fielder Bobby Robinson suffered a broken leg, allowing Mays to take over the center field position.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's expansive outfield provided Willie Mays with the perfect stage to showcase his talents, attracting scouts who were increasingly drawn to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947. During his time with the Black Barons, Mays played in 10 games, posting a .233/.313/.326 batting average. These 10 hits made at Rickwood are included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons were a dominant team in 1948, finishing with a 63-28-2 record. They edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, during which Mays had seven hits and earned six walks. Although the Black Barons eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays' once-a-week appearances were a clear sign of his future greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays’ journey to becoming an MLB legend began with his first 10 major-league hits at Rickwood Field. Now, baseball will bid him farewell at the same historic venue.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays often said. His impact on the game and the many players who followed in his footsteps is immeasurable.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Next year, an event scheduled around Juneteenth will honor Hall of Famer and Giants legend Willie Mays, a Birmingham native who left an indelible mark on the sport.
"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 honor Willie Mays, his enduring spirit and legacy will resonate deeply at Rickwood Field. The sport of baseball, forever enriched by his contributions, will pay tribute to one of its greatest heroes in a celebration that promises to be both poignant and inspiring.