The Passing of a Legend
The baseball world mourns the loss of one of its inner-circle greats, Willie Mays, who has died at the age of 93. Mays passed away just two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, where his illustrious big-league career began.
Despite the sadness surrounding his passing, the upcoming event retains its importance as a celebration of Mays, Rickwood Field, and the rich heritage of the Negro Leagues. Although fans had hoped that Mays would attend the ceremony, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be present. Tragically, Mays passed away on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, the evening promises to be imbued with appreciations, memories, and stories of Mays' brilliance, offering a fitting tribute to a baseball legend whose journey to greatness began at Rickwood Field.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. From a young age, Mays demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, excelling in multiple sports during his high school years. He showcased his talents not only on the baseball field, where he played outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit, but also for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
It was during his time with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos that Piper Davis, manager of the Birmingham Black Barons, took notice of Mays' prodigious talent.
The Unconventional Path
At just 16 years old, Mays was signed by the Black Barons. However, his father insisted that he finish high school, limiting Mays to playing only 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 securing two hits against pitcher Chet Brewer.
A broken leg suffered by center fielder Bobby Robinson provided Mays with the opportunity to play center field, a position where he would eventually shine. Rickwood Field's expansive outfield was the perfect stage for Mays to demonstrate his exceptional abilities.
Scouting the Prodigy
The integration of Major League Baseball following Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947 drew scouts to the Negro Leagues, eager to discover new talent. Mays played ten games for the Black Barons, achieving a .233/.313/.326 batting average. It's noteworthy that the ten hits Mays recorded at Rickwood Field are included in his official MLB statistics.
The Black Barons had a stellar season in 1948, posting a 63-28-2 record and edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed to the team's success with seven hits and six walks during the series. However, despite their strong performance, the Black Barons fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series.
Playing once a week was a harbinger of Mays' future greatness, hinting at the spectacular career that awaited him in Major League Baseball.
The Legacy of Greatness
Mays' first ten major-league hits were recorded at Rickwood Field, and it is at this same historic ballpark that the baseball world will gather to say goodbye to him. "It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said.
Rickwood Field holds the distinguished title of being the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. It served as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, a significant chapter in baseball history. The event honoring Mays and this legacy is scheduled around Juneteenth next year, adding an extra layer of historical resonance.
"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," Mays reflected in his later years.
Mays' remarkable legacy and the memories of his unparalleled contributions to baseball will resonate deeply at Rickwood Field during the event. As fans and players come together, they will honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that the story of Willie Mays continues to inspire future generations.