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MLB Honors Willie Mays with Tribute Game at Rickwood Field Featuring First All-Black Umpiring Crew

Jun 20, 2024, 11:18 PM

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Willie Mays, the legendary Hall of Famer known as the 'Say Hey Kid,' who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93. Fans have been gathering at his statue outside Oracle Park in San Francisco, leaving flowers and mementos in tribute. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals played a special game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, where Mays began his career. The game, which was part of MLB's tribute to the Negro Leagues, featured the first all-Black umpiring crew in MLB history. The event included a moment of silence before every MLB game on Wednesday and a standing ovation from the crowd at Rickwood Field. The Giants and Cardinals wore throwback uniforms and patches honoring Mays, and the game was broadcast with a retro look for one inning. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other baseball legends were present, and fans were able to watch the game on the scoreboard at Oracle Park at 4:15 p.m. PT. The game drew 8,332 fans.