Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, is set to host an MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the stadium opened in 1910 and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Throughout its history, it has been home to various teams, including the Negro Leagues’ Birmingham Black Barons, the minor leagues’ Birmingham Barons and Birmingham A’s, as well as serving as a spring training site for the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Baseball legends such as Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and Willie Mays, who got his start with the Black Barons at the age of 17, have graced the field.
Willie Mays, who recently passed away at the age of 93, began his career at Rickwood Field before making his mark in the majors. Mays acknowledged that playing in the Major Leagues seemed like an impossible dream until Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby broke the color barrier. Reflecting on his journey, Mays stated, “I was taught to see your goal in your mind and work toward it.” He credited Rickwood Field and the Birmingham Black Barons as the stepping stones in his career. The upcoming MLB game at the historic ballpark was originally planned to honor Mays, who unfortunately could not attend.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed the significance of Rickwood Field in baseball history, noting that it was where Willie Mays developed his skills before becoming a legendary player with the Giants. The venue holds special meaning as the place where a career and legacy like no other began. With a mission to honor Negro League players like Mays, MLB’s decision to host a game at Rickwood Field aims to give recognition and pay tribute to the contributions of these athletes. The event is a fitting homage to Mays and other Negro League stars who paved the way for future generations in the sport.
Rickwood Field played a crucial role in American Civil Rights history, serving as a site for marches, boycotts, and peaceful protests during a time of racial tension and segregation. It provided a temporary escape from the harsh realities faced by Black individuals, allowing them to enjoy the game of baseball without the burden of discrimination. The head groundskeeper at Rickwood, Jabreil Weir, highlighted the significance of hosting an MLB game at the historic venue, stating that it was a dream come true for him to be part of such an event. Renovations and improvements were made to the facility in preparation for the game, including a new drainage system and backstop netting.
The game at Rickwood Field between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants is scheduled to take place in the evening, with a broadcast on FOX. As the baseball community comes together to celebrate the legacy of Willie Mays and the impact of the Negro Leagues, the historic ballpark will once again be the center of attention. The event serves as a reminder of the rich history of the sport and the important role that players like Mays played in shaping the future of baseball. With a focus on honoring the past and embracing diversity and inclusion, MLB’s game at Rickwood Field represents a significant moment in both community and baseball history.
