Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
The St. Louis Cardinals narrowly defeated the San Francisco Giants with a score of 6-5 in a landmark game held at Rickwood Field, Birmingham, Alabama. This was the league’s first-ever game at the historic ballpark, which predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Known for its rich history, Rickwood Field was once the home of the Negro League's Black Barons and holds a special place in baseball lore.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game was set against an emotional backdrop, taking place just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays. Mays, who died at the age of 93, began his professional career on this very field with the Black Barons before signing with the New York Giants. Major League Baseball paid homage to Mays’ illustrious life and career with several poignant tributes. Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate, setting the tone for the day's emotional undertones.
In one of the most moving moments of the day, Mays' son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by baseball icons Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. To further honor the legacy, Bill Greason, who was a former teammate of Mays on the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history, threw the ceremonial first pitch.
The San Francisco Giants honored Mays by wearing patches on their jerseys, paying tribute to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars, another historic Negro League team.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of several notable figures in the baseball community. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred attended the game, along with special assistant Joe Torre. The event also saw the attendance of former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, was also in attendance, further emphasizing the historical importance of the occasion.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Brendan Donovan made a memorable return to his home state, going 3-for-3 at the plate. His performance included his seventh home run of the season, a double, and three RBIs. Nolan Gorman contributed with two RBIs from sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson added to the score by crossing home plate on a wild pitch, showcasing the Cardinals' offensive depth.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos, who entered the game with an impressive .310/.388/.545 hitting line, continued his hot streak by launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Ramos now has nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Contributions from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed, each adding a run, kept the Giants competitive throughout the game.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
Amidst the hard-fought battle, Mike Yastrzemski's exit due to side tightness cast a shadow over the Giants. Yastrzemski had been a stable contributor with a .220/.300/.403 hitting line, seven home runs, and ten additional extra-base hits, amounting to 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury is a potential setback for the Giants as they continue their campaign.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and Cardinals will continue on Saturday, but Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event. Not only did it celebrate the storied past of one of baseball's most historic venues, but it also served as a heartfelt tribute to Willie Mays, one of the game's most beloved figures.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up the significance of the day with a poignant statement: "The event was a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress." The game at Rickwood Field indeed served as a powerful reminder of baseball’s deep roots and its capacity to bring people together in celebration of history and heritage.