MLB Game at Rickwood Field Honors Legacy of Willie Mays and Negro Leagues

A special Major League Baseball game held at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, paid tribute to the legendary Willie Mays and the impactful legacy of the Negro Leagues. Ajay Stone, accompanied by his family from Charlotte, North Carolina, shared a heartwarming memory of Mays handing a cookie to their daughter Haley in an enduring photo from 2004.

Before the game, MLB orchestrated a series of events honoring Mays and the Negro Leagues, including the unveiling of a mural dedicated to the baseball icon in downtown Birmingham. The week’s schedule took on deeper significance following Mays’ passing at the age of 83, adding a layer of celebration and remembrance.

As fans entered Rickwood Field, a palpable buzz filled the air with music, laughter, and excitement. The historic ballpark was adorned with photos and artifacts showcasing baseball greats like Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige, who once graced its hallowed grounds. The original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons, where Mays launched his professional career in 1948, provided a glimpse into history.

Outdoor exhibits allowed fans to hold Mays’ baseball bat from 1959, sit inside a vintage 1947 bus used by Negro Leagues teams, and immerse themselves in the ambiance of the 1940s with authentic concessions. Eddie Torres and his son Junior, devoted Giants fans from California, highlighted the enduring impact of Mays on generations of baseball enthusiasts.

Musical artist Jon Batiste serenaded the crowd before the game, setting the stage for a poignant pregame ceremony that honored former Negro Leaguers. The echoes of “Willie! Willie!” reverberated through the stadium, underscoring the profound impact Mays had on the sport and its followers.

For Michael Jackson, a former player for the East Thomas Eagles in the Birmingham Industrial League, Rickwood Field served as a nostalgic backdrop to his baseball memories. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the ballpark, Jackson expressed his elation at seeing its preservation and revitalization, reminiscing about the bygone era of semi-professional baseball in Birmingham.