BIRMINGHAM, AL – As baseball fans gathered at historic Rickwood Field to pay tribute to legendary Negro League player Willie Mays, the atmosphere was filled with nostalgia and celebration. Ajay Stone, carrying a precious memory of Mays handing a chocolate chip cookie to his infant daughter, Haley, reflected on the impact the Hall of Famer had on their family.

Stone and his wife, Christina, journeyed from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Birmingham to partake in a special event honoring Mays and other Black baseball greats. The occasion was marked by a Major League Baseball game at Rickwood Field, symbolizing a tribute to the Negro Leagues and the enduring legacies of players like Mays.

Before the game commenced, MLB orchestrated a series of activities to commemorate Mays and the Negro Leagues. The passing of Mays at 93 years old a few days prior added a deeper layer of significance to the planned events, transforming them into heartfelt celebrations of his remarkable life and career.

As the festivities unfolded at Rickwood Field, attendees were transported back in time through exhibitions of historical photos, artifacts, and memorabilia from baseball Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige. The original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons, where Mays began his professional journey in 1948, stood as a testament to his historic impact on the sport.

Fans embraced the opportunity to interact with pieces of history, lining up to touch a baseball bat once wielded by Mays in 1959 and sit inside a vintage bus used by Negro Leagues teams during barnstorming tours in the 1940s. Live music, period-themed concession stands, and engaging activities added a vibrant touch to the commemorative occasion.

For lifelong Giants fans like Eddie Torres and his son Junior, the experience was a blend of reverence for Mays’ legacy and a personal connection to baseball history. The emotional resonance of Mays’ contributions to the game transcended generations, leaving a lasting impression on fans who never had the chance to watch him play.

The pregame ceremonies culminated in a poignant moment as former Negro Leaguers were ushered onto the field, sparking chants of “Willie! Willie!” from the crowd. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, memories of the past were evoked for spectators like Michael Jackson, whose own baseball journey intertwined with the iconic venues of Birmingham’s baseball lore.

As the echoes of celebration and remembrance reverberated throughout Rickwood Field, attendees, young and old, paid homage to a baseball icon whose legacy transcended generations and left an indelible mark on the sport. The enduring spirit of Willie Mays lived on through the shared stories, artifacts, and heartfelt tributes that adorned the historic ballpark in Birmingham, embodying the timeless allure of America’s pastime.