It is with a heavy heart that the world of baseball bids farewell to an absolute legend, Willie Mays, who passed away at the age of 93. Mays, an inner-circle Hall of Famer and one of the game's brightest stars, died just two days before being honored at Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field, where his storied big-league career began.
The upcoming Thursday evening game at Rickwood Field between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals was intended as a celebration of Mays, the storied ballpark, and the legacy of the Negro Leagues. Although Mays had recently informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be able to attend, his sudden passing has cast a somber tone over the event. Nonetheless, the evening will be rich with appreciations, memories, and tales of Mays' brilliance on the diamond.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the hardships of the Great Depression, Willie Mays grew up in the mill towns outside Birmingham. He was a gifted multi-sport athlete during his high school years and showcased his talents not only on the baseball field but across various sports. Early in his baseball journey, Mays played in the outfield alongside his father for a local team and then for a semi-pro outfit. His trajectory took a significant turn when he joined the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team affiliated with the Birmingham Black Barons.
Piper Davis, the manager of the Black Barons, quickly recognized Mays’ extraordinary talent. At the tender age of 16, the Black Barons signed Mays, though his father insisted that he finish high school. Therefore, Mays initially played only 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 recorded two hits against the well-known pitcher Chet Brewer. A broken leg sidelining center fielder Bobby Robinson opened up an opportunity for Mays to showcase his skills at center field, a position he would eventually come to define with his iconic play.
The Unconventional Path
The spacious outfield at Rickwood Field provided Mays the perfect stage to exhibit his prodigious abilities, drawing scouts, especially in the wake of Jackie Robinson's 1947 debut. Mays participated in 10 games for the Black Barons, accumulating a .233/.313/.326 batting average—a modest start but one that hinted at the greatness to come.
One of the highlights of Mays’ early career was the Black Barons’ impressive 1948 season, where they posted a formidable 63-28-2 record, eventually edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays contributed significantly during the series with seven hits and six walks, although the Black Barons ultimately fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series. Playing just once a week, Mays' early exploits hinted at the bright future that awaited him in the Major Leagues.
The Legacy of Greatness
It was at Rickwood Field that Mays recorded his first 10 major-league hits, making the ballpark a fitting venue to bid him farewell. "It'll be a special day," Mays once remarked about the event planned in his honor, expressing his hope that young fans would find inspiration in his story and legacy.
Rickwood Field is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and was the historic home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The upcoming event, scheduled around Juneteenth next year, will pay tribute to Mays' legacy as well as honor the broader contributions of the Negro Leagues and the many players who paved the way for future generations.
"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,” Mays reflected. "We can't forget what got us here, and that was the Negro Leagues for so many of us."
Though Willie Mays has left this world, his legacy and the memories of his dazzling career will resonate powerfully at Rickwood Field during this commemorative event. Fans and players alike will gather to honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball's greatest heroes, ensuring that the legend of Willie Mays will inspire future generations for years to come.