“It’s Still So Hard” Barry Bonds, A-Rod, and Derek Jeter Remember Willie Mays During Historic Rickwood Field Game

Willie Mays too played a small part in the rich history of Rickwood Field. The all-time great began his baseball career here as part of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. As a result, his tragic demise just days before his historic event has opened floodgates of emotions for people. However, the one who was most affected by it was Barry Bonds, his godson. Naturally, Bonds along with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, took this opportunity to give massive tribute to the legendary Willie Mays.

Bonds couldn’t even have second thoughts about visiting Rickwood Field. In all his time with Mays, he had heard so much about the ballpark that he practically lived in it in his head. “But I knew I needed to come here. This is what he would have wanted,” Bonds said to USA Today about coming to the park. However, the all-time home run record holder was visibly shaken by Mays’ absence.

“It’s still so hard,” Bonds said. “Normal conversations, I’m good. I’m not ready for the other ones.” Later he explained that he can have conversations about normal stuff but when it comes to Mays’ passing, “I’m not so good yet.” However, while Bonds was visibly shaken, Derek Jeter gave his tribute to the legendary Mays. Though Jeter never watched him play, he remembered how people who did couldn’t stop praising Mays.

“You can talk to someone today and they’ll tell you that Willie Mays was the greatest player that they’ve ever seen play,” Derek Jeter said. “He was a better person than he was a player…Sometimes you say ‘you don’t want to meet your heroes.’ Willie Mays is the type of guy you wanted to meet.” However, the tributes didn’t end there as Alex Rodriguez too explained just how special Willie Mays was to him. It was a bittersweet moment for the trio to celebrate Negro Leagues’ legacy just a day after Willie Mays’ demise.

MLB celebrates Willie Mays’ life with his Hall-of-Fame Plaque

Alex Rodriguez remembered the huge impact of Willie Mays. He was the “biggest star” when baseball was “truly no.1.” However, the thing that A-Rod remembers the most is his father telling him that he loved “baseball for two people either Micky Mantle or Willie Mays.” The legend of Willie Mays has always mesmerized baseball fans and on this special occasion, MLB took a step.

MLB showcased Willie Mays’ Hall-of-Fame plaque right before the game. With Barry Bonds and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in attendance, the league paid respect to the legendary Mays. In the end, the Rickwood Field game was a massive success. When the game ended, Hall-of-Famer David Ortiz had an emotional moment reminiscing about the night. “Being present here, seeing the history behind this beautiful field. Everything that people went through, seeing my man (Reggie Jackson) speak out earlier today. That was something that I will never forget,” Ortiz said.

Certainly, what was meant to be a celebratory night turned out to be a bittersweet one for all those who were involved. What’s your take on this? Share your thoughts in the comments.