Bill Greason has lived a remarkable life, serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons alongside his friend Willie Mays, preaching the word of God for 53 years, and running. He has worn many hats and recently celebrated his 100th birthday on September 3. However, as long as he has lived, he has always followed what his mom told him: be humble. Greason recollecting it says, “My mom did a terrific job with us. She taught us to stay down here. She said blessings don’t go up – they come down. And when they do, you have to know to appreciate it.” 

Moreover, Bill Greason, believe it or not, stumbled upon baseball by chance. Growing up, he spent a lot of time playing in the sandlot and developed a natural affinity for the game. Despite lacking formal training, his curiosity drove him far. He observed others in his community and learned through the process. Greason said, “I was blessed to be around a few guys who played semi-pro baseball. And when you observe a thing long enough, you can learn to do what others do. That’s the way it was [with] me. Greason by then already finessed his special curveball move, one for which he is still known. But his break to the baseball world didn’t come easy and faced a major roadblock.

From battlefield to baseball diamond: How Bill Greason found his true calling!

WWII broke and Bill Greason had to leave baseball and enter the US Marines. He was then deployed to the Pacific Theater, landing at Iwo Jima, and there he faced some of his life’s toughest and darkest times – as he witnessed two of his closest friends die. This experience brought him closer to cod. Greason said to MSN, recalling the incident, “I was called by God, I made a vow on Iwo Jima. I promised Him that if He saved me, whatever He wanted me to do, I would do… One day He said, ‘It’s time.’ So I put everything aside and focused on becoming what He wanted me to be.”

But even before Greason embraced his spiritual calling, he had to finish what he started—baseball. So after coming back from the war, he returned to the U.S. and pitched for the Nashville Black Vols in 47’. His natural talent caught the eyes of Birmingham Black Barons where he joined and met a team full of talents and also met one of his closest friends, Willie Mays. Even though Mays was younger than him, he took on the role of a mentor and became almost family to him. Greason helped the team excel in the last NgL World Series and etched his name in history. 

But Rev. Greason doesn’t claim all the credit for those achievements. Greason said, “Baseball didn’t do anything for me. I did something for baseball, but God did everything for me. He saved me, he blessed me, protected me, provided for me, and kept me safe all of my days. That’s who I give all of my glory to.”

The community comes together to celebrate Bill Greason for his 100th birthday

While Greason’s days usually follow a familiar routine of praying and preaching, this time he found himself at Rickwood Field. Although he wasn’t there by choice, the occasion was extraordinary—celebrating the milestone of turning 100! Surrounded by fans, friends, and loved ones, the day was set to be unforgettable. Congressional Representative Terri Sewell spoke at the celebration, calling Greason’s story a “great American story” and highlighting how he has persevered through tough times by relying on his faith.

The celebration was hosted by the Heart and Armor Foundation of Veterans Health. And their executive director who was present said, “He opened the doors for generations of people of all races who wanted to serve their country. And he did so with baseball, and he opened a lot of people not just locally, but nationally he is a hero.” However, even with 100 years under his belt, there is a message he gave that has stuck with him all this year. “Forget about yourself. Keep your mind on the lord and stay humble. No need of exalting yourself to try to make people think you’re more than you are. Just be yourself and God will take care of you.”

Throughout his baseball career, Bill Greason faced significant discrimination. The challenges of his life, including the loss of close friends in violent ways, were deeply impactful. However, finding God marked a turning point for him. With newfound faith, Greason went on to become one of the brightest stars in baseball.