Willie Mays statue
The Willie Mays statue is a bronze sculpture displayed outside the entrance to Regions Field on 14th Street South. It depicts former Birmingham Black Barons and Major League Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays making the type of leaping catch which earned him seven consecutive "Golden Gloves" awards.
The sculpture was commissioned as part of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's "Legacy of Leadership" program, and honors Birmingham Barons owner Don Logan, who participated in the choice to depict Mays.
The nine foot tall by eight foot wide artwork was commissioned from Tuscaloosa sculptor Caleb O'Connor, who created a full-size clay model that was cast in bronze by fellow sculptor Craig Wedderspoon with help from recent University of Alabama graduate Eric Nubbe.
The statue was dedicated on July 20, 2016.
References
- Johnson, Roy S. (July 18, 2016) "Willie Mays statue to adorn Regions Field, honoring Barons owner Don Logan." The Birmingham News
- Muska, Truman J. (April 4, 2024) "Willie Mays at Regions Field: An Unyielding Spirit." Magic City Religion