The city of Birmingham, Alabama, is celebrating the century-long life of one of its greatest living legends.Watch part of the interview in the video aboveOn Tuesday, Rev. William "Bill" Greason, a pioneer of the Negro Leagues and a veteran of World War II, turned 100 years old in style with a birthday bash at his old stomping grounds: Rickwood Field."This is a strange thing here, to have one little Black boy in this kind of position and being seen by people," said Greason ahead of the big event. "Nobody but God can do that, and I give him all of the credit for allowing me to be alive."When asked for advice on reaching a century, he told WVTM 13 Sports director Ryan Hennessy two things: Be humble and never take anything for granted.Back in November 2023, WVTM 13's Guy Rawlings sat down with Greason to discuss the former Black Baron's legendary life story.Born Sept. 3, 1924, William Henry Greason grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, the third of five children born to James and Lizi Greason.The family lived just down the road from Martin Luther King and his son, who would later change America.Upon graduating high school, Greason enlisted in the military, becoming one of the first Black Marines in U.S. history. He was sent to Montford Point, North Carolina, for training, and later to Japan, where he would experience both the aftermath of the atom bombs as well as the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima.When he returned home, Greason started playing baseball. He would be acquired by Birmingham after dominating the Black Barons. "I was in Asheville, North Carolina. During spring training, the Black Barons came to Asheville to play. Our star pitcher started the game that night, and they knocked him out after the second inning. My manager put me in. I pitched the next seven innings with no hits," Greason said.Less than a week later, the Black Barons bought his contract, and he was on a bus to the Magic City, where he was teammates with a 17-year-old named Willie Mays. The two built a relationship that continues up until the legendary ballplayer's death earlier this year.By the early 50s, Greason drew the attention of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Ultimately both teams would pass for different reasons. Greason brushes off his chance at history, saying, “There's a reason for things. You don’t need to try and probe and open it up."Not long after, history called Greason's name again. First, he integrated professional baseball in the state of Oklahoma with the Oklahoma City Indians. He would face racism while playing in the Texas League.“Called me all kinds of names," Greason said. "‘We gonna get you so and so.’ I didn’t say anything. I just smiled and pitched a little harder."In 1954, he received the call. The St. Louis Cardinals called him up to the majors. In St. Louis, he became the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history. Success would be fleeting. In four games, Greason threw three innings, giving up eight runs. To make matters worse, he took a $300 pay cut to play in the majors.Baseball researchers said Greason never really had a role with St. Louis. Greason himself says it was hard to find anyone to just play catch with."The white players were afraid of being stigmatized. ‘You’re a so-and-so lover ... you love Black folks.’ If they played with you or something, they’d put labels on you. If you showed any kindness towards me, then you had something to deal with," Greason said.He would be sent back to the minors where he would excel. He eventually integrated the Houston Buffaloes Triple-A team.In 1959, Greason retired from baseball, taking a job at Pizitz Department Store. One night after work, the promise to God came full circle.“I missed having an accident," Greason said. "Seemingly, the Lord said to me, ‘Now is the time.’ The next day, I went to the office and said, 'Mr. Pizitz, I gotta go.' He said, ‘Bill, what's wrong with you?’ I said, ‘I gotta go. I got a call.’"By the late 60s, now-Reverend Greason began his ministry at a church in Bessemer. In 1971, he took over at Bethel Baptist in Berney Points where he has pastored for 53 years.What’s left for Rev. Bill Greason to accomplish? A lot.He’s written a children’s book called “Three Uniforms.” It tells the story of his amazing life. The foreword is written by his good friend, Willie Mays. It’s set to be released in the coming years.