Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a game that was as historic as it was thrilling, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in what marked Major League Baseball's first-ever game at the venerable Rickwood Field. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickwood Field predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park and has a rich history, once hosting the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
This landmark game took place just two days after the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. The event was a fitting homage to Mays, who began his professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball celebrated Mays' life and career, ensuring that his legacy was front and center.
Mays’ iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by baseball legends Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays with the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history.
In tribute to Mays, the Giants wore patches on their jerseys that paid homage to the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars. These gestures served as a poignant reminder of Mays' enduring impact on the sport.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of several distinguished guests. 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.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
For Cardinals' utility player Brendan Donovan, the game was a homecoming to remember. Returning to his home state, Donovan put on a stellar performance, going 3-for-3 with his seventh home run of the season. He also added a double and drove in three runs, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Donovan wasn't the only contributor for the Cardinals. Nolan Gorman drove in two runs with sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson added another run, scoring on a wild pitch. The collective effort helped lift the Cardinals to their narrow victory.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
Despite the loss, the Giants had standout performances of their own. Heliot Ramos entered the game with an impressive .310/.388/.545 hitting line, complemented by nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Ramos continued to impress, launching a three-run home run in the third inning that temporarily shifted momentum in the Giants' favor.
Additional runs from Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed kept the game close, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
The Giants' loss was compounded by an injury to outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who exited the game due to side tightness. Yastrzemski had been hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and ten additional extra-base hits, amassing 1.5 WAR over 66 games. His injury could represent a significant setback for the Giants as they navigate the rest of the season.
What's Next
The series between the Giants and Cardinals will resume on Saturday, but Thursday's game at Rickwood Field will be remembered as a landmark event in Major League Baseball history. It not only paid tribute to the life and career of Willie Mays but also served as a testament to the sport's enduring legacy. Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up the event aptly, saying, "The event was a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."