Willie Mays mural — New mural in progress in downtown Birmingham of Willie Mays before the MLB at Rickwood Field Tribute to the Negro Leagues game on June 20th. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Willie Mays will not make it to Birmingham for Thursday night’s MLB at Rickwood Field Tribute to the Negro Leagues game, according to the San Francisico Chronicle.

I’m not able to get to Birmingham this year but will follow the game back here in the Bay Area. My heart will be with all of you who are honoring the Negro League ballplayers, who should always be remembered, including all my teammates on the Black Barons. I wanted to thank Major League Baseball, the Giants, the Cardinals and all the fans who’ll be at Rickwood or watching the game. It’ll be a special day, and I hope the kids will enjoy it and be inspired by it.

I understand seven Willie Mays Scholars will be going to Birmingham and that a lot of kids from the Birmingham area were invited to the game including from the local Boys & Girls Clubs. I’m glad they can participate in this piece of American history and learn about our game and all that surrounds it. I learned about baseball and life from my father and my Birmingham teammates including my manager Piper Davis along with Bill Greason, Artie Wilson, Jimmy Zapp and so many others who looked out for me. I couldn’t have accomplished what I did without those guys. They were good ballplayers and good people.

Thanks again to everyone who’ll experience and embrace Rickwood Field. Enjoy the game.”
Willie Mays, statement republished from the San Francisco Chroncile

What a beautiful statement.

He will be missed.

But as the “Say Hey Kid” reminds us, it is about the game and the people who paved the way.

To learn about all the festivities this week, check out our story: