In a heartfelt tribute to baseball legend Willie Mays and the storied history of the Negro Leagues, Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, hosted its first Major League Baseball game in an event dubbed "A Tribute to the Negro Leagues." The game honored the enduring impact of Mays and other Black baseball greats on the sport.

The festivities surrounding Mays and the Negro Leagues took on added significance with the news of Mays' passing at the age of 93. As word spread throughout Birmingham, celebrations of his remarkable life intensified.

The atmosphere at Rickwood Field was charged with excitement as fans eagerly made their way to the ballpark. The sound of a drum echoed from inside, setting the mood for the festivities. Inside, reminders of baseball history were everywhere, with photographs and artifacts of Hall of Famers such as Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige adorning the walls.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons, the Negro Leagues team where Mays began his professional career in 1948. A memorial dedicated to Mays featured memorabilia, including bobbleheads, a signed glove, and jerseys from his time with the Black Barons and the San Francisco Giants.

Outside the ballpark, fans formed a line to hold a baseball bat used by Mays in 1959, while others posed for photos inside an authentic bus from 1947 that was once used by Negro Leagues teams during barnstorming tours. The atmosphere was further enhanced by live music and concessions designed to transport visitors back to the 1940s.

Eddie Torres and his son Junior, both adorned in Giants jerseys, represented the lifelong fans who traveled all the way from California to be part of this momentous occasion. Despite never having seen Mays play, Torres acknowledged the significant impact Mays had on the game of baseball, even for younger generations.

The pregame ceremony saw former Negro Leaguers being escorted onto the field, prompting chants of "Willie! Willie!" after a brief moment of silence. The spirit of the past imbued the stands, particularly for Michael Jackson who, as a former player for the East Thomas Eagles in the Birmingham Industrial League, reminisced on his own baseball journey and was thrilled to see Rickwood Field still standing strong after all these years.

Jackson fondly recalled playing at the ballpark and expressed his excitement at witnessing the renovations instead of witnessing its demolition. He emphasized the importance of preserving these historic sites and the memories they hold.

As the legacy of Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues was celebrated at Rickwood Field, fans and players alike were reminded of the profound impact these icons had not only on the sport of baseball but also on the cultural tapestry of America. The enduring spirit of these legends continues to inspire future generations, ensuring that their remarkable stories will never be forgotten.