Best Moments from a Historic Night at Rickwood Field
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Cardinals on Top
After an emotional day and compelling baseball game, the St. Louis Cardinals picked up a 6-5 victory on Thursday night. Baseball fans around the globe won't be forgetting about this historic game anytime soon.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
MLB at Rickwood Field
On Thursday night, the long-awaited moment arrived and met all expectations.
Dressed in retro uniforms reminiscent of their Negro Leagues predecessors (the San Francisco Sea Lions and St. Louis Stars), the Giants and Cardinals took over Rickwood Field—the oldest professional ballpark in America. They honored the past, particularly the legendary Willie Mays, with tributes both before and during the game.
Alabama Boy Fast Start
Cardinals left fielder Brendan Donovan smashed the game's first home run. His towering shot landed on the green awning past the right-center-field wall, putting St. Louis ahead 3-0 in the first inning. Born in Würzburg, Germany, and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, Donovan also played college baseball at the University of South Alabama, making this a special homecoming for the 27-year-old.
Story Time With Bill Greason
Former Negro Leaguer Bill Greason, who at 99 years old is the oldest living player from the Negro Leagues, continues to captivate as a master storyteller. He had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Greason grew up just across the street from Martin Luther King Jr., served in the Battle of Iwo Jima, and dedicated 53 years as a minister at Bethel Baptist Church.
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Jon Batiste Performance
Five-time Grammy winner Jon Batiste delivered a pregame performance that was simultaneously heartwarming and lively. He then introduced former Negro League players who, accompanied by members of the Giants and Cardinals, took their places along the foul lines. This was followed by a tribute to the late, great Willie Mays on the video board. Afterwards, Mays' son, Michael, stepped onto the field with Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr.
"Birmingham, I've always said that if there were any way my father could be here, he would," Michael Mays said in his brief address. "Well, he found another way. He is already at your feet. Let him hear you; he's listening."
Turning the TV Back in Time
If you were watching the game on the FOX television broadcast, you might have been surprised returning from a commercial break during the fifth inning. The game appeared on your screens just as it would have 70 years ago when baseball first started being televised.
"You haven't lost your mind. Your TV's not broken," play-by-play announcer Joe Davis reassured viewers.
It was truly a sight to behold as the Cardinals executed a 6-4-3 double play in this nostalgic setting.
Cardinals on Top
After an emotional day and compelling baseball game, the St. Louis Cardinals picked up a 6-5 victory on Thursday night. Baseball fans around the globe won't be forgetting about this historic game anytime soon.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
MLB at Rickwood Field
On Thursday night, the long-awaited moment arrived and met all expectations.
Dressed in retro uniforms reminiscent of their Negro Leagues predecessors (the San Francisco Sea Lions and St. Louis Stars), the Giants and Cardinals took over Rickwood Field—the oldest professional ballpark in America. They honored the past, particularly the legendary Willie Mays, with tributes both before and during the game.
