The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has passed away at the age of 93. His death comes just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field. This ballpark holds a special place in Mays' storied career, as it marks the beginning of his incredible journey in big-league baseball.
The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a game at Rickwood Field on Thursday evening, an event intended to celebrate Mays, Rickwood, and the Negro Leagues. Up until recently, there was genuine hope that Mays would attend the commemorative event. However, on Monday, Mays informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be present, and on Tuesday, he passed away.
Despite his absence, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of baseball's greatest heroes.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931, during the Great Depression, and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. A gifted multi-sport athlete from a young age, he showcased his talents in high school. Mays played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His path to baseball greatness truly began when he played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, who recognized Mays’ extraordinary talent and unconventional potential.
The Unconventional Path
The Black Barons signed Mays at just 16 years old, but his father insisted that he finish high school. As a result, Mays was only able to play in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. He made his debut in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field and batting seventh, where he impressively recorded two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer.
A twist of fate allowed Mays to showcase his skills in center field when the position opened up due to a broken leg suffered by Bobby Robinson. This opportunity was pivotal, as it allowed Mays to demonstrate his abilities on a grander stage.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field provided the perfect outfield for Mays to exhibit his talents. Following Jackie Robinson's historic debut in 1947, scouts began to pay closer attention to the Negro Leagues, and Mays was soon on their radar. In just 10 games for the Black Barons, Mays held a .233/.313/.326 batting average, with the 10 hits he made at Rickwood included in his official MLB stats. The Black Barons had a remarkable 1948 season, boasting a 63-28-2 record.
They edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing seven hits and six walks throughout. However, the Black Barons ultimately lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Even though Mays was playing only once a week, it was clear that he was destined for baseball greatness.
The Legacy of Greatness
Remarkably, Mays’ first 10 major-league hits were at Rickwood Field, and fittingly, baseball will say goodbye to him at this historic venue. Reflecting on the upcoming event, Mays had expressed hope that the celebration would inspire future generations. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays had remarked.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, recognized as the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., has a rich heritage as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will honor the Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays. Mays himself had articulated the emotional significance of this celebration, "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 and legacy of one of baseball's true legends. The memories of Willie Mays will undoubtedly resonate, reminding everyone of the profound impact he had on the sport and the countless lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.