Team: N/A |
Ballpark: Rickwood Field |
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Class: N/A |
League: N/A |
Affiliate: |
 Rickwood Field is the oldest active professional ballpark in the United States. |
 It was named after Barons' team owner Rick Woodward, opening in 1910. The Birmingham Barons (AA--White Sox) played home games at Rickwood through 1987, and since then have played an annual "Rickwood Classic" game there. |
 I attended a Miles College game at Rickwood just to see the field, and was invited into the press box. Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Reggie Jackson, and Stan Musial all played ball here. |
 While in the press box, we were invited to check out the view from the roof. However, the Miles College coach saw us up there and was none too happy about it. |
 Besides the Birmingham Barons, Rickwood was also home to the Birmingham Black Barons until the end of Negro League baseball after the 1960 season. |
 Rickwood is a living museum, with many photos and much memorabilia on display. This photo shows 16-year-old Willie "Buck" Mays (top center), who played center field for the Black Barons in 1948 and 1949 while still in high school. |