BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Ajay Stone walked around historic Rickwood Field, admiring tributes to Willie Mays and other Negro Leaguers, holding a cherished memory close to his heart.
He carried a photo from 2004 showing Mays holding Stone’s then-10-month-old daughter Haley, dressed in San Francisco Giants attire. Mays was offering her a piece of a chocolate chip cookie to eat.
“Willie gave her that cookie. She didn’t even have teeth,” Stone recalled. “But we kept that cookie in her stroller for a year and a half. It was special to us because it was from the great Willie Mays.”
Stone and his wife Christina journeyed from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Birmingham, Alabama, for a special moment on Thursday.
It was before Rickwood Field hosted its first Major League Baseball game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, part of MLB’s “A Tribute to the Negro Leagues” to honor Mays and other Black baseball legends.
MLB had planned a series of events celebrating Mays and the Negro Leagues, but the tribute took on added significance following Mays’ passing at the age of 93 on Tuesday. Birmingham was quick to celebrate his life in the days that followed.
The celebrations at Rickwood Field were evident with the sound of drums, laughter, and excitement from fans even before reaching the ballpark.
Inside, the history of baseball was on display with photos and artifacts of Hall of Famers like Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige. Fans could visit the original clubhouse of the Birmingham Black Barons, where Mays began his professional career in 1948. Memorabilia of Mays, including bobbleheads, a signed glove, and jerseys, were showcased.
Outside, fans waited in line to hold one of Mays’ bats from 1959 and took photos inside an original bus from 1947 used by Negro Leagues teams during barnstorming tours. Live music and 1940s-style concession stands added to the festive atmosphere.
Eddie Torres and his son Junior, both in matching Giants jerseys, attended the game as lifelong fans who traveled from California.
“I never saw Willie Mays play, but as a Giants fan, I understand his impact on the game,” Torres said. “My son, at 11, knows who Willie Mays is because of that impact.”
Musical artist Jon Batiste performed near home plate before the game, and former Negro Leaguers were honored during a pregame ceremony.
“Willie! Willie!” chants erupted after a moment of silence.
For Michael Jackson, being at Rickwood Field brought back memories of his baseball days in the Birmingham Industrial League. He was glad to see the ballpark still standing after all these years.
“It’s exciting to see all this still here,” he said. “We played in the same ballpark named after Willie Mays in Fairfield. I had my own moments playing here. It’s all very exciting.”
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