Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
The St. Louis Cardinals clinched a narrow 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants in a landmark game held at Rickwood Field. This contest marked Major League Baseball's first-ever game at this historic venue, situated in Birmingham, Alabama. Rickwood Field predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, and it once hosted the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game took place just two days after the passing of the legendary Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Mays began his professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball paid an emotional tribute to Mays’ extraordinary life and career.
In a poignant homage, Mays’ iconic No. 24 was displayed prominently behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by baseball legends Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. Additionally, Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays on the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history, threw the ceremonial first pitch.
The Giants honored Mays by wearing patches on their jerseys that paid homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals sported uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The special event attracted a number of high-profile guests. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre were present, alongside former All-Stars such as Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Also in attendance was Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, further underscoring the historical significance of this game.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Brendan Donovan had an outstanding return to his home state. The Alabama native went 3-for-3, hitting his seventh home run of the season and adding a double. Donovan drove in three runs, making a significant impact on the game. Nolan Gorman contributed to the Cardinals’ offense by driving in two runs on sacrifice flies, while Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos came into the game with an impressive hitting line of .310/.388/.545, along with nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. He continued his strong performance by launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed also chipped in with a run each, but their efforts fell just short.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
The Giants suffered a setback when Mike Yastrzemski had to exit the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski had been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and ten additional extra-base hits, accumulating a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury could potentially be a significant blow to the Giants' lineup.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will resume on Saturday. Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event, not only for the rivalry between the two teams but also for the moving tribute to Willie Mays. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described the event as "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."
This special game served as a bridge between baseball's storied past and its vibrant present, highlighting the sport's capacity to evolve while honoring those who paved the way. It was a fitting tribute to one of baseball’s greatest legends and a memorable chapter in the history of the game.