Willie Mays passed away June 18 at age 93. Not only was he one of the greatest players in MLB history, he was in many ways the early face of the Cactus League — dynamic, charismatic and accessible.
He helped break the Major League’s color barrier, while challenging Jim Crow laws and attracting thousands of visitors to Arizona spring training. They came to witness his on-field brilliance and became fans of the man for his courage and resilience.
The “Say Hey Kid” lit up baseball, the Cactus League and Arizona spring like few others. His accomplishments and influence live on.
The thoughts of baseball fabs were on Mays this week. A June 20 MLB game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala., is set to be a celebration of Mays’ career — which began with the Birmingham Black Barons — and of the Negro Leagues in general.
“All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast in New York and San Francisco, Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime.”
Below is a city of Scottsdale video produced to celebrate the 2017 Cactus League Hall of Fame class, which included Willie Mays and other stars who helps break the MLB color barrier.
Below is a link to an MLB video celebrating Mays’ life and career:
https://www.mlb.com/news/hall-of-famer-willie-mays-passes-away-at-93
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