Rickwood Field

Discover the Historic Legacy of Rickwood Field and Willie Mays

MLB pays tribute to Willie Mays at the legendary Rickwood Field!

Rickwood Field, located in Birmingham, holds a special place in baseball history as the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. The stadium was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, where legendary player Willie Mays began his professional career. With Major League Baseball honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues, Rickwood Field's significance is being celebrated like never before.

2024 will mark a historic moment as MLB plans to hold its first game at Rickwood Field. The event holds added importance following the passing of Willie Mays, emphasizing the deep connection between Mays, the Negro Leagues, and this iconic stadium.

In a groundbreaking move, the upcoming game at Rickwood Field will feature the first all-Black umpire crew in MLB history. This historic milestone pays tribute to the trailblazers who paved the way for diversity in baseball.

Adding to the excitement, a new soul food restaurant near Rickwood Field has opened, providing visitors with a taste of local flavors and a nod to the stadium's heritage. With baseball fans flocking to Rickwood Field, the restaurant is seizing the opportunity to thrive and become an integral part of the game-day experience.

Did you know that Willie Mays played at Rickwood Field in 1948 before embarking on his legendary MLB career with the Giants? The stadium's rich history and connection to baseball pioneers like Mays make it a symbol of resilience and progress in the world of sports.