Baseball legend Willie Mays, who once dazzled as a teenager at Rickwood Field, died at 93, as the oldest ballpark gears up for a tribute game to honor his legacy and the Negro Leagues.

The upcoming tribute game at Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in America, has taken on profound significance following Willie Mays' passing. Mays, who played centerfield there as a teenager for the Birmingham Black Barons, was set to attend the event. The game will now honor both his extraordinary career and the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues, featuring a ceremony to celebrate Mays' contributions to baseball history.

Willie Mays, known as 'The Say Hey Kid,' had deep ties to Rickwood Field, where he showcased his talent as a young player in 1948. As a member of the Birmingham Black Barons, Mays played a pivotal role in the team's dynamic lineup during a time when the field was shared under segregation with the all-White Birmingham Barons. Rickwood Field, built in 1910, holds historical value as the oldest professional ballpark still standing in America.

Rickwood Field's significance is further cemented by its rich history, including hosting the final Negro League World Series game in October 1948. During this game, Mays' Black Barons faced the Homestead Grays, ultimately losing in what has become a memorable chapter in the chronicles of the Negro Leagues. The field has also been a stage for 182 MLB Hall of Famers, such as Reggie Jackson, Babe Ruth, and Hank Aaron, showcasing its enduring legacy in professional baseball.

The tribute game, initially planned with Mays' attendance, will now serve as a commemorative event for his incredible contributions to the sport. Major League Baseball (MLB) intends to honor Mays with a pregame ceremony that not only highlights his achievements but also pays homage to the history of the Negro Leagues. Mays' influence on the sport is undeniably profound, and this tribute aims to celebrate both his remarkable talent and the struggles and triumphs of the league he once played for.

Rickwood Field's legacy intertwines with the broader narrative of baseball's evolution, including MLB's decision to officially incorporate Negro Leagues statistics into its record books in 2021. This incorporation marked a significant recognition of the league's impact on the sport and further emphasizes the importance of celebrating figures like Willie Mays. His career serves as a testament to the talent and determination present in the Negro Leagues, and the tribute game is an opportunity to reflect on this important history.

Reverend William Greason, a former teammate of Mays on the Birmingham Black Barons, remains to share memories of their time together on the field. Greason recalls the strong camaraderie and gifted prowess Mays exhibited, reinforcing the deep bonds formed within the team during that era. Greason's reminiscences add a personal touch to the tribute, highlighting Mays' character and impact beyond his athletic achievements.

Among those set to play in the tribute game is Masyn Winn, an African American MLB player, who will honor Mays and the Negro Leagues' enduring legacy. This inclusion reflects the continuity of Mays' influence on future generations of baseball players. Winn and his contemporaries stand on the shoulders of trailblazers like Mays and the athletes of the Negro Leagues, maintaining the spirit and excellence that Mays embodied throughout his career.

As Rickwood Field prepares to host the tribute game, the ballpark’s storied past comes into focus. The field has been witness to numerous historical moments and has itself become a symbol of both the segregation era and the progress made since. The game not only pays tribute to Willie Mays but also to the countless players who graced its field and contributed to the rich tapestry of baseball history.

The pregame ceremony planned in Mays' honor is expected to be a heartfelt celebration of his contributions to the sport. It will likely include testimonials from former teammates, historical reflections, and acknowledgments of the barriers broken by Mays and his peers. This ceremony offers a chance for fans, players, and the baseball community to collectively honor Mays' legacy and the significant role Rickwood Field played in his early career.

The tribute game at Rickwood Field will serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues. As fans gather to celebrate Mays' life and career, the event will encapsulate the rich history of Rickwood Field and its significance within the broader narrative of baseball. This game is not just a tribute to a legendary player but also a celebration of the progress and achievements within the sport of baseball.