Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
The St. Louis Cardinals triumphed over the San Francisco Giants with a score of 6-5 in a historic game held at Rickwood Field. This marked the league’s first-ever game at this venerable ballpark located in Birmingham, Alabama. A stadium that predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, Rickwood Field has a rich history, having 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 eventually signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball honored Mays' life and career with a moving tribute.
Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by none other than 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 commemorated Mays with patches on their jerseys, paying homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals wore uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event drew several notable figures, highlighting its significance. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was in attendance, as was special assistant Joe Torre. Among the former All-Stars present were Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, also attended, further underscoring the historical weight of the occasion.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Returning to his home state, Brendan Donovan had an exceptional performance for the Cardinals. Donovan went 3-for-3 at the plate, hitting his seventh home run of the season. He also added a double and drove in three runs. Nolan Gorman contributed by driving in two runs with sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos continued to impress with a remarkable hitting line of .310/.388/.545 coming into the game. Over 38 games, Ramos had nine home runs and 32 RBIs. He launched a three-run home run in the third inning, keeping the Giants in contention. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed each added a run, supplementing the Giants’ efforts.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
Mike Yastrzemski's early exit due to side tightness added a somber note to the evening for the Giants. Yastrzemski had been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs, ten additional extra-base hits, and a 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His potential absence could prove to be a significant setback for the Giants as they move forward in the season.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will resume on Saturday. Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will be remembered as a landmark event, not only for the thrilling action on the field but also for its homage to Willie Mays. Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly summed up the event, calling it “a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress.”