Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a landmark event for Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals narrowly defeated the San Francisco Giants, 6-5, at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This game marked the first-ever MLB contest played at this venerable venue, which predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Rich in history, Rickwood Field was once the home of the Negro League's Birmingham Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
Adding emotional weight to the occasion, the game took place just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Mays began his storied professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before eventually signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball honored Mays' extraordinary life and career with a series of poignant tributes during the game.
Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by none other than Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. Adding to the history, Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays on the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history, threw the ceremonial first pitch. The Giants wore patches on their jerseys honoring the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
A number of notable figures attended the game to pay their respects and relish this unique event. Among them were MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, special assistant Joe Torre, and former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, also graced the historic field with his presence.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
One of the standout performances of the day came from Brendan Donovan, who made an impressive return to his home state. Donovan went 3-for-3 at the plate, hitting his seventh home run of the season, adding a double, and driving in three runs. Nolan Gorman also contributed significantly by driving in two runs on sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
On the Giants’ side, Heliot Ramos continued his stellar season. Entering the game with an impressive .310/.388/.545 hitting line, Ramos managed to launch a three-run home run in the third inning, bringing his total to nine home runs and 32 RBIs over just 38 games. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed each added a run, showcasing a balanced offensive performance.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
However, not all was rosy for the Giants as Mike Yastrzemski exited the game due to side tightness. This could be a significant setback for the Giants, as Yastrzemski was hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and ten additional extra-base hits, contributing a valuable 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His potential absence could impact the Giants' performance as the season continues.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will resume on Saturday, but Thursday’s game at Rickwood Field will be remembered as a landmark event in MLB history. The game served as a fitting tribute to Willie Mays, honoring his lasting impact on the sport. Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up the event, calling it "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."
The atmosphere at Rickwood Field was electric, capturing the essence of baseball's rich history and its ongoing journey. As fans cheered and legends were remembered, it was clear that the love for baseball transcends time and continues to bring communities together in celebration of the sport's storied past and promising future.