In June 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) will be hosting a special event at Rickwood Field to honor the Negro Leagues. This historic ballpark in Birmingham, Alabama, was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons and is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States.
The event will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, starting at 7:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast exclusively on FOX. The day will feature both a minor league and major league game. The minor league game will be between the Montgomery Biscuits and the Birmingham Barons at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the MLB game.
Rickwood Field, opened in 1910, has seen some of the greatest players in baseball history grace its field, including Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Reggie Jackson. It was also home to the Double-A Birmingham Barons of the Southern League from 1981-1987. While the ballpark has a capacity of up to 10,800 people, seating for the MLB game will be limited to around 8,300.
During the event, the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will be paying tribute to the Negro League teams that once played in their cities. The Giants will honor the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals will pay tribute to the St. Louis Stars.
This unique event will not only showcase the talent of current MLB players but also celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues and the impact they had on the sport. Fans can look forward to a night of exciting baseball and a chance to learn more about this important part of baseball history.
Don’t miss out on this special event at Rickwood Field as MLB teams come together to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and celebrate the history of the game we all love. Follow your favorite teams to stay updated on all the latest news, games, and more from Major League Baseball.