Rickwood Classic Returns May 30

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Rickwood Classic is back this year, as the Birmingham Barons will host the Chattanooga Lookouts at the historic Rickwood Field May 30 at 12:30 p.m. Rickwood Field is the oldest ballpark in the Unites States, and each year the Barons play one game at the park with a new theme for each game. The Rickwood Classic was cancelled last year due to structural repairs that needed to be made on the 108-year old ballpark.

This year, the Barons will pay homage to the "Fabulous Fifties" when they were affiliated with the New York Yankees from 1953 - 1956. The team will wear throwback grey uniforms and caps with text in the vintage Yankees navy blue script that will be auctioned off to benefit the Friends of Rickwood and their continuing efforts to preserve the ballpark. Fans are encouraged to dress in 1950s fashion, and the game will include music and entertainment fitting the era.

The game's special guest will be former New York Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent.

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Rickwood Field was built for the Birmingham Coal Barons in 1910 by industrialist and team-owner Rick Woodward and has served as the home park for the Birmingham Barons and Birmingham A's of the SOuthern League and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Though the Barons moved their home games to the Hoover Met in 1987, and most recently to Regions Field downtown, Rickwood Field has been preserved and is undergoing gradual restoration as a "working museum" where baseball's history can be experienced.

"Being able to be a part of such a great event is really special," said Barons manager Ryan Newman. "There's a ton of history over there, not just in baseball but life in general. So it's exciting to be a part of it."

The number of baseball legends who have played at Rickwood would pique the interest of any baseball enthusiast. More than 100 members of baseball's Hall of Fame have played at Rickwood at some point, including Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers and Jim "Catfish" Hunter - each of whom played their home games at Rickwood - and the stadium also hosted legends such as "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Dizzy Dean.

First pitch at Rickwood Field is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, as long as the weather cooperates. For tickets, click here.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Rickwood

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