June 26th 2024.
On June 20, 2021, Major League Baseball paid tribute to the late, great Willie Mays and the influential Negro Leagues at Birmingham, Alabama's historic Rickwood Field. Among the crowd of over 8,300 people, Tony Marshall, a resident of Birmingham, was one of many who eagerly lined up to take photos next to Mays' National Baseball Hall of Fame plaque. The event was held just two days after Mays' passing at the age of 93.
In a special moment, the bronze likeness of Mays, typically housed in Cooperstown, New York, was temporarily relocated to Rickwood Field for the first time. The occasion was made even more meaningful by the involvement of New York Life, the nation's largest mutual insurance company. Not only did they send their employees and agents to volunteer at MLB's Play BALL youth clinic, but they also provided tickets and travel packages for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to attend the game. In a partnership with MLB, New York Life also prominently featured period-appropriate signage in the outfield at Rickwood Field.
For Marshall, Mays' impact on his life began when the baseball legend visited his elementary school when he was in fifth grade. This encounter sparked Marshall's love for the game, which he has carried with him throughout his life. Marshall attended the event to honor Mays' legacy and his dedication to the Negro Leagues, noting that Mays was an incredible player who always brought excitement to the field with his skills on both offense and defense.
Mays, widely considered the greatest and most versatile player in baseball history, started his professional career as a teenager with the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field. In 1948, he helped the team win the Negro League World Series before being acquired by the New York Giants at the age of 20 in 1950. Mays spent most of his career with the Giants, playing for both New York and San Francisco.
The timing of Mays' passing, just one day before Juneteenth, added a spiritual element to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. Despite this, the atmosphere at Rickwood Field was electric as fans marveled at the event's grandeur. They were treated to the sight of former Negro Leagues players in their 80s and 90s donning vintage jerseys, as well as lively music such as Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and Cab Calloway's "Minnie the Moocher." The backdrop of a massive display of Mays' No. 24 behind home plate added to the awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Several notable attendees were present at the event, including Mays' son, Michael Mays, and all-time home run leader Barry Bonds, who was also Mays' godson. Retired Hall of Famers Albert Pujols, Ken Griffey Jr., and Reggie Jackson were also in attendance, and fans like Marshall were still in awe of Mays' incredible career. Mays remains the only player in MLB history to achieve at least 3,000 hits, a .300 batting average, 300 home runs, and 300 stolen bases. Not only did he surpass these milestones, but he also ended his career with 3,283 hits, 660 home runs, and 338 stolen bases. Known for his exceptional defense, Mays won an impressive 12 Golden Glove awards. His iconic "Catch" and powerful throwing arm helped lead the Giants to an unexpected World Series victory in 1954.
Jackson, who played for the Birmingham A's in the minor leagues in 1967, returned to Rickwood Field to honor the Negro Leagues and Mays' passing. In an interview with Fox Sports' Alex Rodriguez, Jackson spoke about the racism he experienced while playing in the Deep South. He shared that it was not easy for him to come back to Birmingham, but that he was fortunate to have a supportive manager and teammates who helped him through the difficult times. However, he also expressed that he wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.
In response to Jackson's comments, MLB released a statement to BLACK ENTERPRISE, acknowledging the painful reality of what Black players had to endure during that era. It was a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in the sport and the continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
This game on June 20, 2021, marked a significant moment in history as it was the first time a regular season game between the American and National Leagues was played at Rickwood Field, which has been in existence for 114 years. It was also the first time that both leagues had a game with an all-Black umpiring crew, further highlighting the positive steps being taken towards inclusivity in the sport.
MLB's announcement in late May 2021 to add the statistics of Negro Leagues players from 1920 to 1948 into its records was a monumental and long-overdue recognition. Commissioner Rob Manfred officially declared that the seven professional Negro Leagues that operated during that time would now be considered Major Leagues. This means that approximately 3,400 players who were part of the Negro Leagues during that period are now recognized as Major Leaguers, and their statistics and records are now an official part of MLB's history. It was a fitting tribute to Willie Mays and the countless other talented players who were previously excluded from MLB's records.
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