On June 20, 2024, Major League Baseball will honor the rich history of Black baseball with a St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants game at America's oldest ballpark, Rickwood Field.

The MLB game set to take place at Rickwood Field is not just any regular-season matchup; it aims to celebrate the historical contributions of Black baseball and the Negro leagues. Rickwood Field, opened in 1910, was once home to the Birmingham Black Barons and hosted legendary players like Willie Mays and Satchel Paige. Recent extensive renovations were completed to prepare the ballpark for this event, ensuring it stands ready to spotlight its significant yet complex history etched into America's pastime.

Rickwood Field, located in Birmingham, Alabama, holds the distinction of being the oldest baseball park in America. It was constructed in 1910 by Rick Woodward, who modeled it after Shibe Park in Philadelphia. Its architecture and historical importance contribute to its revered status among baseball historians and fans alike.

The ballpark has a storied past, having been home to both Black and white baseball leagues during its heyday. The Birmingham Black Barons, a notable Negro league team, played their home games at Rickwood Field from 1920 until the league disbanded in 1960. This team featured future Hall of Famers such as Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, and Mule Suttles, whose legacy is intricately tied to this historic venue.

In the 1950s, Birmingham's discriminatory laws significantly impacted sports and other public gatherings. The 'checkers ordinance,' formally known as Section 597, prohibited mixed-race sporting events, reflecting the segregationist policies of the time. Rickwood Field itself hosted Ku Klux Klan events, adding to the complex and sometimes troubling aspects of its history.

Recognizing the ballpark's significance, local residents and the non-profit organization Friends of Rickwood have played vital roles in preserving the field. Since the 1990s, efforts to maintain and restore Rickwood Field have included various fundraising and renovation projects aimed at preserving its historic character.

Most recently, substantial renovations have been undertaken to prepare for the MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants. Under the guidance of Murray Cook's team from Brightview, these upgrades included replacing the playing surface and dugouts, installing a new drainage system, and adding temporary lighting to ensure the field meets modern sports standards.

The event at Rickwood Field is part of MLB's broader efforts to hold games in venues of historical significance. MLB has previously arranged games at military and culturally iconic locations, such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina and the 'Field of Dreams' site in Iowa, showing a commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of baseball history.

The game on June 20, 2024, aims to be more than just a sporting event. It seeks to honor the contributions and legacy of Black baseball players and the Negro leagues. By doing so, it provides an opportunity for fans to connect with a pivotal era in baseball history at a venue that has witnessed both triumph and adversity.

As the excitement builds for this historic game, it serves as a reminder of the unifying power of sports and the importance of acknowledging and preserving the past. Rickwood Field stands as a living museum, holding within its walls the memories of countless games and the stories of players who paved the way for future generations.