Andre Dawson To Highlight 2020 Rickwood Classic

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood welcome fans back to historic Rickwood Field for the 24th Annual Rickwood Classic June 8, with special guest Hall of Fame outfielder Andre Dawson.

This year's game will celebrate the legendary Birmingham Black Barons and the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues. The game will feature the Birmingham Barons against the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

Dawson, a National League MVP (1987) winner and Hall of Famer played 21 seasons with the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Florida Marlins. Dawson was an eight-time All-Star, as well as a eight-time Gold Glove winner who compiled a .279 career batting average, 2,774 hits, 438 home runs, 1,591 RBIs, and 314 stolen bases. Dawson is only the second player in baseball history to reach 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases. On July 25th, 2010 Dawson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dawson is the first Hall of Fame special guest to attend the Rickwood Classic since Rollie Fingers attended in 2016. Former Hall of Famers to attend the Rickwood Classic include Harmon Killebrew, Gaylord Perry, Fergie Jenkins and Bowie Kuhn.

“We’re thrilled to turn back the clock and once again host the Rickwood Classic at America’s Oldest Ballpark on June 8th to celebrate the legendary Birmingham Black Barons and the Negro Leagues. Rickwood Field is such an important part of baseball history here in Birmingham and in hosting the classic it connects so many generations of Barons and baseball fans for one special, fun afternoon,” said Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson. “The Barons and Friends of Rickwood are thrilled to welcome Hall of Famer Andre Dawson and thankful for Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Stewart Lubricants and Service Company, and Drummond Company, Inc. for their support and sponsorship of the Rickwood Classic.”

This year’s Rickwood Classic will celebrate the Birmingham Black Barons and the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues (1920-1963). In 1920, the Birmingham Black Barons became a charter member of the eight-team Negro Southern League. During the 1920’s, Birmingham would see future Hall of Famers Leroy “Satchel” Paige, George “Mule” Suttles, and Bill Foster suit up for the Black Barons. During the 1940’s the Black Barons would win three (1940, 1945, 1948) league pennants and produce more future stars of the game including MLB Hall of Famer Willie Mays and Lorenzo “Piper” Davis.

This year the Barons will don the uniforms worn by the 1920 Birmingham Black Barons featuring a vintage grey-colored jersey with Birmingham written across the chest and a Birmingham Black Barons patch on the left sleeve. The team will also wear special vintage Birmingham Black Barons black caps with red bills and three white B’s arranged in a circle.

“Pitchers and catchers report this week to Spring Training, and plans are well underway for the 2020 Rickwood Classic,” said Friends of Rickwood Chairman Gerald Watkins. “We’re expecting a huge crowd as we celebrate the special 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues this summer. Make sure to make your plans early and experience America’s pastime at America’s Oldest Ballpark, Rickwood Field.”

More than 145,000 people have attended the Rickwood Classic since its inception in 1996.