Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Rickwood Field
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 26, 2021
1. Rickwood Field Marker
Built by local industrialist A. H. "Rick" Woodward, this park opened on August 18, 1910. It is the oldest surviving baseball park in America. Rickwood served as the home park for both the Birmingham Barons (until 1987) and the Birmingham Black Barons (until 1963). It was also a favorite site for barnstorming Major League teams. Many greats of the game thrilled crowds here, including Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Ty Cobb, Burleigh Grimes, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Walt Dropo, and Reggie Jackson. Black Barons' sensation Satchel Paige battled Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and other legends of the Negro Leagues. And a 16-year-old rookie from Birmingham named Willie Mays led the Black Barons to their 1948 Negro American League championship here.
National Register of Historic Places February 1, 1993
Erected 1996 by Alabama Historical Commission / The Friends of Rickwood Field, An affiliate of The Birmingahm Area Chamber of Commerce.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1955.
Location. 33° 30.18′ N, 86° 51.414′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Votes for Women (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rickwood Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Birmingham - Southern College (approx. 0.9 miles away); Walker Memorial Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Old Elyton Courthouse Bell (approx. 1.1 miles away); Wilson's Raiders (approx. 1.1 miles away); United Confederate Veterans (approx. 1.2 miles away); Graymont Elementary School (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Also see . . . Rickwood Field. Baseball Pilgrimages website entry (Submitted on July 24, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Tim Carr, January 24, 2009
2. Main Entrance to Rickwood Field
Photographed By Tim Carr, January 24, 2009
3. Rickwood Field
Photographed By Tim Carr, January 24, 2009
4. Outfield View Of Rickwood Field
Photographed By Tim Carr, January 24, 2009
5. Rickwood Field Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,384 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 31, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 17, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
