Historic Day in Major League Baseball: Cardinals Edge Giants at Rickwood Field
In a thrilling and historic contest, the St. Louis Cardinals edged out the San Francisco Giants with a 6-5 victory. This matchup marked Major League Baseball's first-ever game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, a venue that predates both Wrigley Field and Fenway Park and once served as the home for the Negro League's Black Barons.
A Touching Tribute to Willie Mays
The game was held just two days after the passing of the legendary Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. Mays began his illustrious professional career at Rickwood Field with the Black Barons before eventually signing with the Giants. Major League Baseball celebrated Mays' life and career with a heartfelt tribute.
In honor of Mays, his iconic No. 24 was prominently displayed behind home plate. His son, Michael Mays, was escorted onto the field by Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. Adding to the poignant moment, Bill Greason, a former teammate of Mays with the Black Barons and the first Black pitcher in Cardinals history, threw the ceremonial first pitch.
The Giants paid their respects by wearing jerseys adorned with patches honoring the San Francisco Sea Lions, while the Cardinals donned uniforms modeled after the St. Louis Stars.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
This landmark event drew several prominent figures in the baseball world, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and special assistant Joe Torre. Former All-Stars Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and CC Sabathia also made appearances, as did Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Hall of Fame.
Donovan Shines in Home State Return
Brendan Donovan made a triumphant return to his home state, delivering an outstanding performance. Donovan went 3-for-3, hitting his seventh home run of the season. He also added a double and drove in three runs, showcasing his versatility at the plate. Nolan Gorman contributed two RBIs with sacrifice flies, and Alec Burleson scored on a wild pitch, underscoring the Cardinals’ offensive depth.
Ramos Keeps the Momentum
On the Giants' side, Heliot Ramos continued his impressive season. Entering the game with a .310/.388/.545 slash line, Ramos launched a three-run home run in the third inning, bringing his season totals to nine home runs and 32 RBIs over 38 games. Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed each added a run, making significant contributions to the Giants' offense.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Yastrzemski
The game took a concerning turn for the Giants when Mike Yastrzemski had to exit due to side tightness. Yastrzemski, who was hitting .220/.300/.403 with seven home runs and 1.5 WAR over 66 games, has been a critical player for the team. His injury could pose 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 continue on Saturday. However, Thursday’s game at Rickwood Field will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event. This game not only provided thrilling baseball action but also paid a moving tribute to Willie Mays, celebrating his extraordinary life and career in a manner befitting his legacy. Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up the significance of the event, calling it "a testament to baseball's enduring legacy and a symbol of hope, remembrance, and progress."