The Passing of a Legend: Willie Mays
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, has passed away at the age of 93. His death is a significant loss to the world of sports, marking the end of an era for many baseball enthusiasts and historians. Mays died two days before he was to be honored at Birmingham's Rickwood Field—a historic location that played a pivotal role in his early career.
Mays' illustrious big-league baseball career began at Rickwood Field, and fittingly, it will also be celebrated there. The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are set to play a special game at Rickwood Field, honoring Mays, the historic ballpark, and the legacy of the Negro Leagues. The event is poised to be a poignant tribute, filled with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance, even though Mays himself won't be able to attend.
Up until recently, there was hope that Mays would be present for this landmark event. However, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not attend, and sadly, he passed away on Tuesday.
The Early Years
Willie Mays was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Despite the economic hardships of the time, Mays excelled in multiple sports during his high school years. His athletic prowess was evident, as he played outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. Additionally, he played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
Piper Davis, the Black Barons' manager, first noticed Mays' exceptional talent. This led to Mays signing with the Black Barons at the young age of 16; however, his father insisted he finish high school. Consequently, Mays could only participate in the Black Barons' weekend home games at Rickwood Field. His debut came in the second game of a doubleheader, where he played left field, batted seventh, and impressively had two hits against Chet Brewer. A twist of fate, involving a broken leg by center fielder Bobby Robinson, allowed Mays the opportunity to play center field—where he truly began to shine.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field's outfield provided a perfect stage for Mays to showcase his incredible talent. This drew the attention of scouts, especially after Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking debut in 1947, which shifted focus towards the Negro Leagues. During his time with the Black Barons, Mays played 10 games, recording a .233/.313/.326 batting average. The 10 hits he achieved at Rickwood Field are officially included in his MLB statistics.
The Black Barons were a formidable team in 1948, holding a 63-28-2 record. They triumphantly edged out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series, with Mays contributing notably with seven hits and six walks. However, they eventually lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Playing only once a week was just a glimpse of the exceptional career that lay ahead for Mays.
The Legacy of Greatness
Willie Mays' first 10 major-league hits occurred at Rickwood Field, making it a symbolic location to say goodbye to this baseball legend. The upcoming event at Rickwood Field, set around Juneteenth next year, will honor Mays' legacy and the rich history of the Negro Leagues. The event aims to inspire future generations of athletes, as well as celebrate the Hall of Famer, Giants Legend, and Birmingham native.
"It'll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it," Mays once said. His words epitomize the enduring influence he hoped to impart on younger generations.
Conclusion
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, was home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. This historic venue will once again be the center of a significant event, paying homage to a man whose career began within its bounds and whose influence on the game of baseball is immeasurable.
"It has been 75 years since I played for the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field," Mays 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."
This emotional acknowledgment from Mays underscores the event's importance. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that Willie Mays' legacy will continue to resonate at Rickwood Field and beyond.