Willie Mays Drive

Willie Mays Drive is a two-block section of 1st Avenue South between 14th Street South and 16th Street South alongside Regions Field. The street was re-named in July 2016 to honor former Birmingham Black Barons outfielder and Major League Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays.

The idea of renaming a section of the street was brought by Mayor William Bell's office to the Birmingham City Council's Public Improvements and Beautification Committee. With their approval, the city attorney prepared a resolution that went before the Council in May. At that time, the proposed section would have extended two blocks west to 12th Street South. The matter was tabled to consult with business owners on 1st Avenue to gauge whether there was any opposition to the proposal. The amended resolution for changing the name of the two block section passed the council on July 6.

References

• Steere, Tim (May 9, 2016) "Birmingham may rename prominent street 'Willie Mays Drive'." Birmingham Business Journal
• Steere, Tim (July 6, 2016) "City renames stretch of First Avenue to 'Willie Mays Drive'." Birmingham Business Journal