Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a historic matchup, the St. Louis Cardinals emerged victorious with a 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the first-ever Major League Baseball game held at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This iconic ballpark, which predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, once hosted the Negro League's Black Barons and added a new chapter to its storied history with this game.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game came on the heels of the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Mays began his illustrious career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants. To honor his legacy, Major League Baseball paid a heartfelt tribute to Mays throughout the event.
Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by baseball greats Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays on the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history.
In further homage to the legend, the Giants sported patches on their jerseys that paid tribute to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars. These gestures served as a poignant reminder of Mays' indelible impact on the sport.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of several distinguished guests. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre were in attendance, as were former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Additionally, Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, graced the occasion, further emphasizing the historical importance of the day.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Brendan Donovan, returning to his home state, delivered an outstanding performance that thrilled the local crowd. Donovan went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, hitting his seventh home run of the season, adding a double, and driving in three runs. His contributions were crucial to the Cardinals' victory.
Nolan Gorman also played a pivotal role by driving in two runs with sacrifice flies, while Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch, rounding out the Cardinals’ offensive efforts.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Entering the game with an impressive .310/.388/.545 slash line, Heliot Ramos continued his strong season by blasting a three-run home run in the third inning. Ramos, who has tallied nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games, remains a key offensive force for the Giants. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed each added a run, bringing the Giants within striking distance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cardinals.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
One of the more somber moments of the game was the exit of Mike Yastrzemski due to side tightness. Yastrzemski, who has been posting a .220/.300/.403 hitting line with seven home runs and ten additional extra-base hits, has accumulated a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury could pose a significant setback for the Giants as they look to stay competitive in the standings.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will continue on Saturday. However, Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but as a landmark event that honored one of baseball’s greatest legends, Willie Mays. In the words of Commissioner Rob Manfred, the event was “a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress." This game at Rickwood Field stands as a beacon of the sport's rich history and its ongoing journey towards inclusivity and recognition.