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In a tribute to the legendary Willie Mays and other Black baseball players, an oversized baseball card was unveiledin Alabama on Tuesday. This event was part of a six-stop tour organized by Fox Sports and Fanatics, culminating in a special MLB game at Rickwood Field on June 20.

The tour featured giant 24 by 16 feet baseball cards at each stop, each showcasing a different Negro Leagues legend. The last event, held at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, featured a card for Willie Mays, designed by former MLB player and artist Micah Johnson. Coincidentally, Mays passed away on the day of the unveiling, June 18, at the age of 93.

Sami Polanco, manager of brand and partnership marketing at Fox Sports, noted Mays' early career with the Birmingham Black Barons, starting at just 16 years old, before his famed stints with the New York and San Francisco Giants. "Willie Mays started here, and it’s only fitting we honor him and the legacy of the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field," Polanco said.

Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., hosted the Birmingham Black Barons from 1924 to 1960 and has a rich history with the Negro Leagues. Polanco emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Negro Leagues players to baseball's history, stating, "The Negro Leagues were fundamental in shaping today's game, influencing many of the plays and records now celebrated in major league baseball."

Local resident Jade-Gracie Griffin expressed pride in her community's efforts to honor the Negro Leagues, especially with the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations. "It’s a really special thing to be a part of," she said.

The tour by FOX Sports and Fanatics has been releasing these commemorative cards weekly for the past six weeks, with all collectible cards set to be available for purchase starting Thursday.