Willie Mays Tributes Pour In At Rickwood Field MLB Ceremony

Thursday night marks Major League Baseball's celebration of the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. And in a bit of upsetting timing, the Rickwood game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants comes just a few days after the passing of MLB and Giants legend Willie Mays at 93-years-old.

READ: Loss Of A Legend: Baseball Great Willie Mays Dies At 93-Years-Old

But a number of former legends and relations to Mays shared their experiences and memories of the Hall of Famer, including Reggie Jackson.

Commissioner Rob Manfred also ensured that Mays' Hall of Fame plaque was brought to the field too.

The pregame ceremony setting up the stadium, history and celebration of the league's history featured a performance from recording artist Jon Batiste, 50's era dancing and a number of former Negro League players honored on the field.

After the live performance, a tribute to Willie Mays, who played at Rickwood Field, aired on the broadcast. Mays was celebrated for his on-field performance, unique talent and love for the game. Mays' son Michael joined Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds on the field, leading the fans in a standing ovation.

Fairfield, Ala. - Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball stadium in America, hosted the MLB at Rickwood Field tribute game to the Negro Leagues, and to Willie Mays. Photo: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

MLB, Fox Have Fitting Tributes For One Of Baseball's Greatest Players

One of the other stand out moments of the pregame festivities was when Derek Jeter asked Barry Bonds what he'd do hitting against Negro League superstar pitcher Satchel Paige. 

Bonds, without hesitating, said he'd hit a home run. "Me?! GONE. You lost your mind, Jeter. Gone"

Given Bonds' career stats, he's probably right.

It was a fitting celebration for the life and career of Willie Mays, who had one of the best careers in the sport's history - whose longevity was nearly unmatched, leading to 24 All-Star Game appearances. Rickwood Field wasn't where he made his name, but it's where he got his start. And the league and television broadcast did an outstanding job paying tribute to a legend.