Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
The St. Louis Cardinals triumphed over the San Francisco Giants with a 6-5 victory in a game that made history as Major League Baseball's first-ever contest at Rickwood Field. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickwood Field is a storied venue that predates both Chicago's Wrigley Field and Boston's Fenway Park. The field is steeped in history, having once served as the home of the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game took place just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays at the age of 93. Mays began his illustrious career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before making his mark with the Giants. In a heartfelt tribute to his storied life and career, Major League Baseball honored Mays in several touching ways during the game.
Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. Michael Mays, Willie’s 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.
In further tribute, the Giants wore jersey patches honoring the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals sported uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars. These gestures offered a poignant reminder of Mays' indelible impact on the sport.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The game drew an impressive roster of distinguished guests, underscoring its significance. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, special assistant Joe Torre, and former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia were all present. Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, also attended, adding further gravitas to the occasion.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
One of the standout performances of the evening came from Brendan Donovan. Making a triumphant return to his home state, Donovan went 3-for-3 at the plate. His impressive performance included his seventh home run of the season, a double, and three runs batted in. Nolan Gorman added to the Cardinals' tally by driving in two runs with sacrifice flies, while Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
On the Giants' side, Heliot Ramos continued his strong season, entering the game with a .310/.388/.545 hitting line. Over 38 games, Ramos had demonstrated his power with nine home runs and 32 RBIs. During the third inning, he launched a three-run home run, further cementing his role as a key player for the Giants. Contributions from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed, who each added a run, kept the game competitive.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
The Giants faced a potential setback when 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 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury could present a significant challenge for the Giants as they look to maintain their momentum.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will continue on Saturday. While Thursday's game at Rickwood Field was remarkable for many reasons, it will be particularly remembered as a heartfelt tribute to Willie Mays. Commissioner Rob Manfred succinctly captured the significance of the event, describing it as "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress." As the series progresses, the memory of this landmark game will no doubt linger in the minds of fans and players alike.