The Birmingham Barons and Montgomery Biscuits turned back the clock to honor the Negro Leagues on June 18 at Rickwood Field, kicking off a three-day celebration in Alabama that included a celebrity softball game and a Major League contest between St. Louis and San Francisco. The Minor League clubs played
The Birmingham Barons and Montgomery Biscuits turned back the clock to honor the Negro Leagues on June 18 at Rickwood Field, kicking off a three-day celebration in Alabama that included a celebrity softball game and a Major League contest between St. Louis and San Francisco. The Minor League clubs played as the Black Barons and Gray Sox, respectively, in the Double-A Southern League game at America's oldest professional ballpark. The night brought fans, players, former Negro League stars and the entire baseball community together as the news of Hall of Famer and former Birmingham outfielder Willie Mays' passing broke during the game. Montgomery held on for a 6-5 win over the host Birmingham, with both teams sporting throwback uniforms.
Take a look back at the 2024 MiLB at Rickwood Field game through the lens of MLB Photos' photographers:
Former Negro Leagues players Joseph Marbury, Clinton “Tiny” Forge, Ferdinand Rutledge and Al Holt throw out the ceremonial first pitches.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Former Negro Leagues players Joseph Marbury, Clinton “Tiny” Forge, Ferdinand Rutledge and Al Holt pose for a photo after throwing out ceremonial first pitches.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
The Black Barons line up for the national anthem at Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Jason Matthews of the Birmingham Black Barons is greeted by teammates during lineups.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Former Negro League player Willie Sellers talks to the Birmingham Barons in their clubhouse.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Former Negro League players speak to Birmingham in the clubhouse before the game.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Former Negro Leaguers pose with the Montgomery Gray Sox in their clubhouse before the game at Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Montgomery Gray Sox players take the field during introductions at Rickwood.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos
Brooks Baldwin of the Birmingham Black Barons takes the field.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Southern League umpires Elliott Melton (home plate), Jaylen Goodman (1B) and Tre Jester (3B) pose with coaches.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Montgomery and Birmingham line up for the national anthem before the game at Rickwood Field.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos
Carson Williams attempts to turn a double play against Birmingham.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Fans soak in the experience at America's oldest ballpark.Parker Freedman/MLB Photos
Edgar Quero of the Birmingham Black Barons reacts after a hit.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Under the lights at Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
The Birmingham Black Barons clap in the dugout during a videoboard tribute to Willie Mays after learning of the Hall of Famer's death.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
A video tribute to Willie Mays is played over the outfield wall at Rickwood Field.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
A view from the seats behind first base.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Dusk at Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Fans enjoy the game from the Willie Mays pavilion at Rickwood Field.Parker Freedman/MLB Photos
Jacob Gonzalez of the Birmingham Black Barons attempts to turn a double play.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos
Fans make their way into historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.Parker Freedman/MLB Photos
A view from left field at Rickwood.Parker Freedman/MLB Photos
Montgomery third baseman Tanner Murray makes a throw to first.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Fans shop for merchandise at Rickwood Field.Parker Freedman/MLB Photos
Birmingham's Edgar Quero reacts after reaching base.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Fans pose for a photo from the seats at Rickwood.Russell Kilgore Jr./MLB Photos
Birmingham's Jacob Gonzalez backhands a ground ball.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
The starting lineups are seen on Rickwood's concourse chalkboard.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Keyshawn Askew of the Montgomery Gray Sox throws a pitch.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos
The Black Barons pose in front of a vintage team bus outside of Rickwood Field.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Birmingham players snap photos of each other outside Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Montgomery's Chandler Simpson connects with a pitch at Rickwood.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Edgar Quero of the Birmingham Black Barons reacts after hitting a double.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Chandler Simpson lays down a bunt against Birmingham.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos
Montgomery's Tanner Murray celebrates the final out of a 6-5 win over the Black Barons.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
The Gray Sox celebrate a 6-5 win over Birmingham.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
The Montgomery Biscuits (Gray Sox) celebrate after beating Birmingham.Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos
Danny Wild is an editor for MiLB.com.
