MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson mourned the death of Willie Mays during a Fox Sports panel at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Mays passed away peacefully at the age of 93, just days before a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants was set to be played at the Negro Leagues field where Mays had once played for the Birmingham Black Barons. Derek Jeter shared a text exchange with Jackson, who expressed how Mays was his “all-time favorite” and an inspiration to many in the baseball world. Jackson spoke about the love of the game that Mays exuded and how he admired Mays for his respect and dedication to baseball.
Both Mays and Jackson had experienced racism during their baseball careers, with Jackson playing in Birmingham in 1967 and eventually making his MLB debut that same year. Despite the challenges they faced, both players were able to rise above the discrimination and make lasting impacts on the game of baseball. Jackson reflected on his own struggles in Birmingham but emphasized the importance of honoring the Negro Leagues and Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America. The community in Birmingham came together to pay tribute to Mays and celebrate his legacy as a legendary baseball player.
Mays’ son, Michael, addressed the crowd at Rickwood Field before the game, encouraging them to cheer loudly in honor of his late father, who he believed was listening. The atmosphere at the field was filled with emotion as former Negro Leagues players stood alongside the Giants and Cardinals, showing their respect for Mays and the history of the game. The event served as a reminder of the impact that Mays had on baseball and the importance of recognizing and preserving the legacy of players who came before. The chants of “Willie! Willie!” echoed through the ballpark, honoring a baseball icon whose influence transcended generations.
Jackson shared anecdotes about Mays and his dedication to the game, highlighting how Mays influenced his own approach to playing baseball. Jackson admired Mays for his love of the game, the way he carried himself on and off the field, and his commitment to excellence. Mays set a standard for future players to follow and inspired a new generation of athletes, including Jackson, to strive for greatness in their own careers. Jackson’s personal connection to Mays and the impact that Mays had on him as a young player exemplify the lasting legacy that Mays left on the sport of baseball.
The remembrance of Willie Mays at Rickwood Field served as a tribute to a baseball legend and an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of players like Mays and Jackson to the history of the game. The event brought together fans, former players, and members of the baseball community to honor Mays’ legacy and celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Mays’ impact on the game of baseball, as well as his influence on future generations of players, was evident in the outpouring of support and admiration from those who gathered to remember him at the historic ballpark. The evening was a fitting tribute to a player who left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams in baseball.
