When the San Francisco Giants met the St. Louis Cardinals last night at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, they were not only honoring the Negro Leagues legends. They also celebrated the life of perhaps the greatest player of all time, Willie Mays.
Mays not only played in the Negro Leagues, but he was also a Birmingham native who was born in nearby Westfield, Alabama. Let’s take a look at this historic ballpark, this one kind of ballplayer, and a sometimes forgotten period in baseball that is just starting to get some well-deserved recognition.
If These Walls Could Talk
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Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball stadium. It was built 114 years ago by Birmingham Barons owner Rick Woodward. This shrine was home to both the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. It even predates the legendary Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. In 1992, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rickwood Field has hosted some of the most exciting games in baseball history. And some of the all-time greats of the game have graced this field. In 1948, it hosted the final game of the last Negro League World Series. The losing pitcher that day was Bill Greason, who is still alive today at age 99. And in a fitting tribute, Greason will throw out the first pitch before tonight’s game.
And the baseball royalty that has seen game action here? How about Satchel Paige, Babe Ruth, Josh Gibson, Honus Wagner, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Christy Mathewson, Reggie Jackson, and, of course, Willie Mays. Ah, if these walls could talk.
MLB Remembers the Great Willie Mays
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This game was also scheduled to honor Willie Mays’ incredible life and career. Sadly, Willie passed away three days ago at the age of 93. Willie played for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1947 and 1948 and participated in the aforementioned last Negro League World Series.
Of course, Willie would go on to have a highlight-film career, winning just about every individual and team award possible. Mays was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1951, a two-time MVP, a twelve-time Gold Glove recipient, and a 24-time All-Star. His 660 home runs still rank sixth on the all-time list. His teams won three pennants and the 1954 World Series.
And speaking of the 1954 World Series, some best remember Willie for his catch (throw) against the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of that series at the Polo Grounds in New York. Vic Wertz of the Indians hit a monstrous drive to the cavernous centerfield at the stadium. With his back-to-home plate, Mays made a two-handed catch at 450 feet from where Wertz had launched the ball.
However, the sometimes forgotten but equally important part of the play was his ensuing throw. Willie turned around after making the catch and fired a strike to the infield, keeping the runner from advancing to second base. Cleveland was held scoreless that inning, and the Giants would go on to an extra-inning win.
Those Legends of the Negro Leagues
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Last night’s game also gave us pause to celebrate the contributions of the Negro Leagues players who toiled under difficult circumstances to entertain generations of baseball fans. Besides the players listed above, other players to recognize include Speedy Cool Papa Bell, future seven-time MLB All-Star Larry Doby, all-around talent Oscar Charleston, Smooth fielding Ray Dandridge, and the great Buck Leonard.
It was way past time for Major League Baseball to recognize the statistics of these ground-breaking ball players. It’s a pity that most of them are no longer around to see the general public reward them for their outstanding contributions to our culture and our national pastime. So, as you reminisce about the game last night, think about these historic figures who changed sports and our world forever. And in your thoughts, don’t forget about the ‘Say Hey Kid,’ Willie Mays.
About the Author
Greg Simbeck is an experienced writer, editor, and content manager who covers a variety of sports for Total Apex Sports. He specializes in MLB coverage. Greg has covered various sports for numerous other publications over the years.
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