Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Baseball Legend Willie Mays at Rickwood Field

The commemoration of baseball legend Willie Mays at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama is set to be a three-day celebration of his life and legacy. Known as the “Michael Jordan of Baseball” on the field, Mays’ impact on the game transcended his incredible performance.

The festivities will kick off with an inaugural Juneteenth event followed by a celebrity softball game featuring teams led by Derek Jeter and Barry Bonds Jr., honoring the late Hank Aaron and Mays himself. The main event will be a game between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals, with both teams wearing replicas of Negro League uniforms.

The St. Louis Stars and the Sea Lions will be represented by the Cardinals and Giants respectively, paying homage to the Negro Leagues and their contributions to baseball history. The game will feature a star-studded lineup of entertainment and sports personalities, including Karen Civil, Terrell Owens, and MLB legends like Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.

The celebration will culminate with a tribute to Mays at the Negro League Baseball Museum, where his impact on the game will be honored. The President of the NLBM, Bob Kendrick, expressed his condolences to the Mays family and fans worldwide, highlighting Mays’ significance in baseball history.

Fans can catch the action at the Birmingham Barnstorm celebrity softball game tonight and the Negro League Tribute tomorrow, both airing on FOX Sports. Additionally, MLB is hosting “Beyond the Ballpark” watch parties at local bars and restaurants in Birmingham, extending the celebration to the community.