Did you know the United States' oldest professional baseball field is in Birmingham?
With our area's sporting scene dominated by collegiate football and basketball, it may come as a surprise to learn that one of the oldest sporting venues in the country is located right here in the Magic City.
Constructed in 1910, Rickwood Field, "America's Oldest Ballpark," was built as a home for the Birmingham Barons, the city's minor league baseball team. It also housed Birmingham's Negro League team, the Black Barons, which featured iconic players such as Satchel Paige and Willie Mays.
For over 70 years, the historic site brought joy to baseball fans from Birmingham and beyond, but by the 1980s, the crowds were shrinking and its age was beginning to show. Once it was leased to Birmingham's Board of Education for high school sports, the ballpark's days seemed numbered.
Everything changed in 1991 when Rickwood landed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Seizing the opportunity, a group of men who grew up attending games there formed the Friends of Rickwood in an effort to restore the venue to its former glory.
Since their takeover, Rickwood has landed starring roles in several major movies, including the Jackie Robinson biopic "42" and the Ty Cobb biopic "Cobb."
However, the wins don't stop there.
This summer, the MLB is taking over the field in a special "Tribute to the Negro Leagues" game.
"We are proud to bring Major League Baseball to historic Rickwood Field in 2024," Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said in a statement when the date was announced. "This opportunity to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues as the Giants and Cardinals play a regular season game at this iconic location is a great honor. The legacy of the Negro Leagues and its greatest living player, Willie Mays, is one of excellence and perseverance. We look forward to sharing the stories of the Negro Leagues throughout this event next year."
Before the big game, Rickwood is undergoing a major renovation project.
鈥淣ew grass, new infield dirt, the dugouts are going to be expanded,鈥� said Friends of Rickwood Board Chairman Gerald Watkins. 鈥淭here鈥檚 going to be extended netting down the foul lines, and the whole place is going to be just spectacular.鈥�
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More than $6,000,000 has been set aside by the city of Birmingham to help pay for the changes leading up to June.
Watkins considers the changes a "rebirth" for Rickwood.
鈥淪o many cities 鈥� Birmingham included 鈥� have torn down historic buildings over the years to do new things,鈥� he said. 鈥淩ickwood Field survived all that, and it鈥檚 important because it鈥檚 the oldest ballpark 鈥� the last home field that the Negro Leagues can claim as an old field.鈥�
"America's Oldest Ballpark" takes the MLB's center stage in "A Tribute to the Negro Leagues on June 20.
Want to find more Birmingham destinations?
Every city has its own local flavor, culture, and vibe. The Very Local original series episode "" celebrates the people, activities and history that make this place unique.
From must-try activities to hidden gems and hotspots to dedicated changemakers, these stories are sure to inspire a deeper love and appreciation for Central Alabama.
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