Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a historic showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals narrowly defeated the San Francisco Giants, 6-5, marking the league’s premier game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This venerable ballpark, which predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, has a rich legacy, once serving as the home of the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game occurred just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died 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 honored Mays' life and career with a heartfelt tribute during the game.
In a poignant gesture, Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, made a touching appearance on the field, escorted by baseball legends Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays on the Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history.
The Giants paid their respects by wearing special patches on their jerseys, commemorating the San Francisco Sea Lions. The Cardinals also embraced the historic occasion, donning uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The significance of the game was underscored by the presence of several notable figures. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, special assistant Joe Torre, and former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia were all in attendance. Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame, also graced the event with his presence.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
For Brendan Donovan, the game was a memorable return to his home state. Donovan had an outstanding performance, going 3-for-3, hitting his seventh home run of the season, and adding a double. He drove in three runs, contributing significantly to the Cardinals' victory. Nolan Gorman also played a pivotal role, driving in two runs on sacrifice flies, while Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Heliot Ramos continued his impressive season, entering the game with a stellar .310/.388/.545 hitting line, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Ramos made his presence felt by launching a three-run home run in the third inning. Contributions from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed, each adding a run, kept the Giants competitive.
Injury Cloud Hangs over Yastrzemski
In a blow to the Giants, Mike Yastrzemski had to exit the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski had been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs, ten additional extra-base hits, and recorded 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury raises concerns and could be a significant setback for the Giants if it sidelines him for an extended period.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and the Cardinals will continue on Saturday. Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will be remembered as more than just a contest between two teams; it was a landmark event that paid fitting tribute to Willie Mays. Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly described the occasion as “a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress.”