The Passing of a Legend
Willie Mays, an inner-circle baseball great, passed away at the age of 93. His death came just two days before an event at Birmingham’s Rickwood Field where he was to be honored. Rickwood Field had a significant place in Mays’ storied career, serving as the launchpad for his journey into the big leagues.
This week, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play a game at Rickwood Field, celebrating Mays, Rickwood Field, and the Negro Leagues. Until recently, Mays had been expected to attend the event. However, on Monday, he informed the San Francisco Chronicle that he would not be present, and by Tuesday, Willie Mays had passed away.
Though Mays will not physically be at the event, the evening promises to be rich with appreciations, memories, and stories of his brilliance. Mays’ journey to baseball greatness, which began at Rickwood Field, will undoubtedly be a focal point of the ceremony.
The Early Years
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Willie Mays was raised in the mill towns outside Birmingham. Demonstrating remarkable athletic prowess from a young age, Mays was a gifted multi-sport athlete in high school. His early baseball experiences included playing the outfield alongside his father for a local team and later for a semi-pro outfit. His talent was soon noticed as he played for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a farm team for the Birmingham Black Barons.
The Black Barons' manager, Piper Davis, recognized Mays' extraordinary potential. Subsequently, the Alabama native signed with the Black Barons at just 16 years old. Despite the promising career that loomed ahead, Mays’ father insisted he complete his high school education. This arrangement meant that Mays could only participate in the Black Barons’ weekend home games at Rickwood Field.
The Unconventional Path
Mays debuted with the Black Barons in the second game of a doubleheader, playing left field, batting seventh, and managing to notch two hits against Chet Brewer. Circumstance struck when the team’s center fielder, Bobby Robinson, suffered a broken leg, opening the door for Mays to showcase his abilities in center field.
Scouting the Prodigy
Rickwood Field provided the perfect stage for Mays to demonstrate his burgeoning talent. Scouts, who had been paying closer attention to the Negro Leagues following Jackie Robinson’s debut in 1947, were drawn to observe Mays. In his time with the Black Barons, Mays played 10 games, accumulating a .233/.313/.326 batting average. Remarkably, the 10 hits Mays notched at Rickwood Field are included in his official Major League Baseball stats.
The 1948 Black Barons were a formidable team, boasting a 63-28-2 record and edging out the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League Series. Mays, even at that young age, contributed significantly with seven hits and six walks during the series. Although the Black Barons fell to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series, Mays’ talent was undeniable, even if he was playing just once a week.
The Legacy of Greatness
Fittingly, Mays’ first 10 major-league hits came at Rickwood Field, and it is at this very field that baseball will say its goodbyes to him. Rickwood Field, which is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, served as the home of the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro Leagues. An event scheduled around Juneteenth next year will honor the Hall of Famer, Giants legend, and Birmingham native Willie Mays.
Reflecting on the scheduled event, Mays had earlier stated, "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' legacy and memories will resonate at Rickwood Field during the event, as fans and players honor the enduring spirit of one of baseball’s greatest heroes. The evening will serve not only as a tribute to Mays but also as an inspiration to future generations, embodying the timeless spirit of baseball and its unbreakable bond with history.