Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the passing of Willie Mays: 

“Today, the world has lost a baseball legend and we in Birmingham have lost a hometown hero. An expert at his craft and a pioneer in his own right, Willie Mays leaves behind a legacy of unmatched skill, courage, determination, and humility. His extraordinary career broke down barriers for generations of Black athletes to follow in his footsteps, and his loss will be felt profoundly as we pay tribute the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field. I am keeping his family, friends, and teammates close in my prayers.”