As Ajay Stone walked around the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, he reminisced about a special moment involving his daughter Haley and baseball legend Willie Mays. In 2004, Mays had handed a chunk of a chocolate chip cookie to Stone’s daughter, who was just 10 months old at the time. This simple act held so much significance for Stone and his wife, Christina, that they kept the cookie in Haley’s stroller for a year and a half. It was a moment that stuck with them and emphasized the impact and connection that Mays had with his fans.
The atmosphere at Rickwood Field was filled with excitement and reverence as it hosted its first Major League Baseball game, a tribute to the Negro Leagues. This game was meant to honor the legacies of Mays and other Black baseball greats who had made lasting contributions to the sport. The week leading up to the game had been filled with activities and ceremonies dedicated to celebrating Mays and the Negro Leagues. The unveiling of a Willie Mays mural in downtown Birmingham and the open original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons added to the significance of the event. The sudden passing of Mays at the age of 93 added a bittersweet tone to the celebrations, making the tributes even more poignant.
Inside Rickwood Field, fans were surrounded by reminders of baseball history. Photos and artifacts of Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige adorned the ballpark. The original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons, where Mays began his professional career in 1948, was open for fans to explore. Memorabilia and jerseys from Mays’ time with the Black Barons and the San Francisco Giants were on display, evoking nostalgia and reverence among visitors. Fans waited in line to hold a baseball bat used by Mays in 1959, capturing a tangible connection to the baseball icon.
For lifelong Giants fans like Eddie Torres and his son Junior, the game at Rickwood Field held a special significance. Despite never seeing Mays play, they understood and appreciated his impact on the game of baseball. The legacy of Mays had been passed down through generations, with even young fans like Junior recognizing the significance of the baseball legend. The presence of former Negro Leaguers at the pregame ceremony added a sense of history and tradition to the event, emphasizing the continuity and impact of Black baseball greats on the sport.
The sight of 71-year-old Michael Jackson, a former player with the East Thomas Eagles of the Birmingham Industrial League, brought a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the history of baseball in Birmingham. Jackson’s memories of playing at Rickwood Field in the past highlighted the importance of preserving historic ballparks like Rickwood. The efforts to maintain and celebrate the legacy of baseball legends like Willie Mays ensured that future generations would have the opportunity to connect with the rich history of the sport. As baseball fans gathered at Rickwood Field to honor Mays and the Negro Leagues, they paid tribute to a legacy that transcended time and united fans across generations.