BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The atmosphere at Rickwood Field was filled with emotion and silence as the crowd paid tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Despite Mays’ passing at the age of 93, his presence was strongly felt at the ballpark where he spent his formative years. The attendees, numbering 8,332, gathered to honor the life and career of the baseball icon. Mays’ son, Michael, along with Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, took to the field before the game between the Giants and the Cardinals, urging the crowd to make their voices heard in a thunderous applause that reverberated throughout the stadium.
The game itself was a close one, with the Cardinals narrowly edging out the Giants 6-5 in MLB’s first regular-season game at Rickwood Field. The event was marked by the unveiling of Mays’ Hall of Fame plaque at the third-base foul line, surrounded by former players who had come to pay their respects. The plaque, which had been temporarily removed from the New York museum, served as a fitting tribute to Mays’ illustrious career that began on the very fields of Rickwood.
The spirit of the “Say Hey Kid” permeated every corner of Rickwood Field, from the murals depicting Mays to the quotes adorning the walls. Players from both teams wore a “Mays 24” patch on their jerseys as a nod to the baseball legend. Mays’ son, Michael, was a focal point of the event, sharing stories and memories of his father with fans who were eager to connect with the legacy of the beloved ballplayer.
Giants manager Bob Melvin emphasized Mays’ impact on the game of baseball and the values he embodied both on and off the field. Melvin recounted his own awe-inspired encounter with Mays during his playing days, highlighting the humility and skill that made Mays a beloved figure in the baseball community.
Willie Mays may have been physically absent from Rickwood Field, but his legacy and spirit were undeniably present. The crowd’s chants of “Willie, Willie, Willie” echoed through the stadium, a testament to the enduring impact of the baseball icon. As fans and players alike honored Mays’ memory, his son urged everyone to make their voices heard and ensure that the legend of the “Say Hey Kid” lives on.
In the end, the celebration of Willie Mays at Rickwood Field was a poignant reminder of the profound influence he had on the sport of baseball and the hearts of those who had the privilege of watching him play. As the crowd dispersed, the echoes of their cheers lingered in the air, a fitting tribute to a true baseball legend whose spirit will forever reside at the historic ballpark. Let us continue to honor Willie Mays’ legacy and ensure that his impact on the game will never be forgotten.