Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a momentous event for Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals emerged victorious over the San Francisco Giants with a narrow 6-5 win. This game holds historical significance as it marked the league's first-ever match at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
A Landmark Venue
Rickwood Field boasts a storied past, predating both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Known for once hosting the Negro League's Black Barons, the field added another chapter to its rich history with this significant MLB game.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game also served as a poignant tribute to the legendary Willie Mays, who passed away at 93 just two days prior. Mays began his professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before making his mark with the Giants. Major League Baseball took this opportunity to honor Mays' illustrious life and career.
To commemorate Mays, his iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. Michael Mays, Willie Mays’ son, 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.
The Giants honored Mays with special patches on their jerseys, paying homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions. The Cardinals also wore uniforms inspired by the St. Louis Stars, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of the event.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
This historic game drew an esteemed crowd. Among those in attendance were MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre. Former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia were also present, along with Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Returning to his home state, Brendan Donovan delivered an outstanding performance for the Cardinals. Going 3-for-3, Donovan hit his seventh home run of the season, added a double, and drove in three runs. His impressive showing played a key role in the Cardinals' victory. Adding to the offensive effort, Nolan Gorman drove in two runs on sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos entered the game with an impressive .310/.388/.545 hitting line, boasting nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Ramos continued his strong performance by launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed also contributed with a run each.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
The Giants faced a potential setback as Mike Yastrzemski exited the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski had been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs, along with ten additional extra-base hits and a WAR of 1.5 over 66 games. The extent of his injury remains to be seen, but it could impact the Giants moving forward.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and Cardinals is set to continue on Saturday, but Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event. Paying tribute to Willie Mays and celebrating baseball's rich history, Commissioner Rob Manfred summed it up best: "The event was a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."