Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In what will surely be remembered as a landmark event in Major League Baseball history, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the San Francisco Giants 6-5. This historic game was the league’s first-ever outing at Rickwood Field, a venerable ballpark located in Birmingham, Alabama. Rickwood Field, which predates iconic stadiums like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, once played host to the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The emotionally charged game occurred just two days following the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Significantly, Mays began his professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before moving on to sign with the Giants. Major League Baseball orchestrated a deeply moving tribute to honor Mays' extraordinary life and career.
Mays’ signature No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was ceremonially escorted onto the field by none other than Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. Former teammate of Mays on the Barons, Bill Greason, threw the ceremonial first pitch. Greason holds his own place in baseball history as the first Black pitcher for the Cardinals.
In further homage, the Giants donned patches on their jerseys that paid tribute to the San Francisco Sea Lions, a nod to the city's baseball heritage. Meanwhile, the Cardinals sported uniforms modeled after those of the St. Louis Stars, another historic Negro League team.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The gravity of the occasion attracted numerous luminaries from the baseball world. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre were in attendance. The game also saw appearances by former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, was also in attendance.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
One of the standout performances of the game came from Brendan Donovan, who was making a return to his home state of Alabama. Donovan went 3-for-3 at the plate, including his seventh home run of the season. He added a double and drove in three runs, playing a pivotal role in the Cardinals' win. Nolan Gorman chipped in with two RBIs from sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Despite the loss, Heliot Ramos continued to showcase his impressive form for the Giants. Ramos entered the game with a stellar .310/.388/.545 hitting line, amassing nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. He didn't disappoint, launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Contributions also came from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed, who each added a run.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
The Giants faced a potential setback as Mike Yastrzemski exited the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski has been a consistent performer, hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs, ten additional extra-base hits, and a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury adds an element of uncertainty to the Giants' lineup moving forward.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will resume on Saturday. Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event, not only for its historic setting but also as a heartfelt tribute to Willie Mays. Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly summed up the day's significance, calling it a testament to baseball's enduring legacy.
"The event was a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress," Manfred stated.
As the series moves forward, the memories created at Rickwood Field will linger, serving as a poignant reminder of the sport's rich history and the legends who have shaped it.