Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
The St. Louis Cardinals narrowly bested the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in what marked the Major League’s first-ever game at the historic Rickwood Field. This game was not just a regular season matchup, but a significant event held at a venue teeming with history. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickwood Field predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, and once served as the home to the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
This game took place merely two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Mays, a Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic players in baseball history, began his professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball honored Mays with numerous tributes throughout the game, celebrating his life and extraordinary career.
Mays’ signature No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by baseball legends Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Bill Greason, who was not only a former teammate of Mays on the Black Barons but also the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history.
In addition, the Giants wore special patches on their jerseys in tribute to the San Francisco Sea Lions, a team from the West Coast Negro Baseball League. Meanwhile, the Cardinals sported uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars, another historic Negro League team.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event drew notable figures from the baseball community and beyond. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was in attendance, along with special assistant Joe Torre. The game also brought out former All-Stars such as Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, was also present, further underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Brendan Donovan made an impressive return to his home state, going 3-for-3 at the plate. Donovan hit his seventh home run of the season and added a double while driving in three runs. His performance was a key factor in the Cardinals' win. Nolan Gorman contributed by driving in two runs on sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Giants’ player Heliot Ramos continued his strong performance this season, entering the game with a .310/.388/.545 hitting line, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs over 38 games. He added to those impressive stats by launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed each added a run, bringing the Giants close but not close enough to overcome the Cardinals.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
The Giants suffered a potential setback when Mike Yastrzemski exited the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski has been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs, ten additional extra-base hits, and a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury could be a significant obstacle for the Giants as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the series and the season at large.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals is set to resume on Saturday. Thursday’s game at Rickwood Field will be remembered not just for the competitive action on the field, but as a landmark event that paid fitting tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Commenting on the occasion, Commissioner Rob Manfred noted, "The event was a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."
Indeed, the game at Rickwood Field encapsulated the very essence of baseball's rich history while looking forward to the future, making it a day that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.