Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a landmark event that paid homage to baseball's storied past, the St. Louis Cardinals edged out the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in the first-ever Major League Baseball game held at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. A symbol of baseball's rich heritage, Rickwood Field predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park and once hosted the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game was infused with emotion, taking place just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays at the age of 93. Mays, who began his illustrious career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants, was honored in a touching tribute. Major League Baseball took this opportunity to celebrate Mays' impactful life and career.
In a poignant gesture, Mays' iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by Hall of Famers Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr., paying their respects to one of the game's greats. Former Negro Leagues player Bill Greason, who played alongside Mays on the Black Barons and became the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history, threw the ceremonial first pitch, adding another layer of historical significance to the event.
The San Francisco Giants honored Mays with special patches on their jerseys that paid homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars, further celebrating the contributions of the Negro Leagues to the sport.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The game drew a host of distinguished guests, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre. Among the notable attendees were former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Baseball Museum, was also in attendance, highlighting the event's deep historical roots and cultural significance.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
For Brendan Donovan, the game was a triumphant return to his home state. Donovan had an exceptional performance, going 3-for-3 at the plate. He hit his seventh home run of the season, added a double, and drove in three runs, demonstrating why he is a key player for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman contributed by driving in two runs on sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch, sealing a narrow but memorable victory for St. Louis.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos continued his impressive season, arriving at the game with a strong .310/.388/.545 batting line, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs over 38 games. He didn't disappoint, launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Additional contributions came from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed, each adding a run to keep the Giants competitive in this closely fought contest.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
However, it wasn't all joyous news for the Giants. Mike Yastrzemski had to exit the game due to side tightness, an unsettling development for the team. Yastrzemski, who has been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and a 1.5 WAR over 66 games, has been a crucial part of the Giants' lineup. His potential absence could be a significant setback as the team moves forward in the series.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will continue on Saturday, following a game that will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic event within Major League Baseball. Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly summarized the sentiment of the day, calling the event "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."
This encapsulates the essence of Thursday's game at Rickwood Field, which not only celebrated the rich history of the sport but also honored the legacy of a true baseball icon, Willie Mays, ensuring that his remarkable contributions to the game will never be forgotten.