Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a thrilling contest that blended the past and present, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in Major League Baseball's first-ever game at historic Rickwood Field. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickwood Field is a legendary site that predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Once the home of the Negro League's Black Barons, the venue provided a fitting backdrop for a game steeped in heritage and emotion.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game took on added significance as it was held just two days after the passing of the legendary Willie Mays at the age of 93. Mays began his illustrious professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball paid an emotional tribute to Mays' life and career throughout the game.
Mays' iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate, serving as a poignant reminder of his impact on the sport. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by Hall of Famers Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr., creating a moment rich with sentiment. Adding to the emotional gravity, Bill Greason—a former teammate of Willie Mays on the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history—threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Both teams also participated in honoring Mays. The Giants wore patches on their jerseys that paid homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions, a tribute to the local league history. Meanwhile, the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars. Such gestures added layers of historical reverence to an already memorable evening.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of several notable figures. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre attended the game. Former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia were also in attendance, as was Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Hall of Fame. Their attendance lent the event an additional layer of gravitas.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Amidst the historic atmosphere, Brendan Donovan, who hails from Alabama, delivered a standout performance. Going 3-for-3, Donovan hit his seventh home run of the season, adding a double and driving in three runs. His performance provided a significant boost to the Cardinals' offense. Contributions from Nolan Gorman, who drove in two runs on sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson, who scored on a wild pitch, rounded out the St. Louis scoring efforts.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos continued his impressive season for the Giants, entering the game with a .310/.388/.545 hitting line, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Ramos smashed a three-run home run in the third inning, providing a much-needed spark for San Francisco. Additional runs from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed kept the game tightly contested until the final out.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
However, the Giants faced a potential setback as Mike Yastrzemski exited the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski, who was hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and ten additional extra-base hits, has been a solid contributor with a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury casts a shadow over the Giants' roster moving forward and could impact their competitive prospects.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will resume 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 at this venerable ballpark created a sense of nostalgia and reverence.
Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up the event perfectly, calling it "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress." The game, rich with emotion and history, indeed served as a tribute to both the past and the future of the sport.