Alabama celebrities get spotlight at Barnstorm Birmingham event

It was a night of celebration at Rickwood Field as celebrities from across the world arrived in Birmingham for a celebrity softball event as part of this week’s tributes to the Negro Leagues.

Big baseball names like Derek Jeter and Barry Bonds were a big reason for drawing fans to the stadium Wednesday night but there were also plenty of celebrities who have roots here in Alabama.

You can watch Tuesday’s celebrity softball game on MLB Network at 1PM Thursday. Keep reading to find out more about who participated + see how the game played out at Rickwood Field.

Athletes take on a new sport

There were several faces familiar to the state’s football fans in attendance. They traded the helmet and pads for a bat and a glove Tuesday night. The list with ties to the state included:

• Jalen Milroe, Alabama quarterback
• Jameis Winston, former Hueytown High School quarterback + baseball player
• Najee Harris, former Alabama running back
• Terrell Owens, former Benjamin Russell wide receiver

“It’s a great opportunity to be here. One thing you have to do is acknowledge what today is. It’s a day of freedom, a day of remembrance to get here.”

~ Jalen Milroe, Alabama quarterback

Milroe was the starting pitcher for the Hammers team but he may not throw the softball as well as he does a football. Jameis Winston knocked in two runs with a little-league style home run off Milroe in the first inning.

Winston pitched most of the game for the Say Heys team. He spoke on getting to be in the game prior to the first pitch.

“I’m extremely grateful, knowing the Negro League games and championships that were here. Now I get to represent that and go honor that by going out here and serving the community.”

~ Jameis Winston

It wasn’t just football stars on the field though. Basketball stars from Alabama also got in on the fun including former Parker High School star Eric Bledsoe and former Alabama player Collin Sexton.

Before the game, Sexton said he was just hoping to play good on defense but he finished with two infield singles and scored two runs. He also ended the game with an outfield assist on a throw from right field to third base.

“It’s been nothing but good vibes from everyone here… It was amazing to look around and see how much history is in here. It reminds me of everything coming together. I would never thought I would be in this situation to be playing in this meaningful situation.”

~ Collin Sexton, former Alabama basketball player

Other big sports stars at the Barnstorm Birmingham event included:

• CC Sabathia, MLB
• Albert Pujols, MLB
• Matt Barnes, NBA
• Ryan Howard, MLB
• Dwight Freeney, NFL
• Max Holloway, UFC
• Latroy Hawkins, MLB
• Stephen Jackson, NBA

Entertainers play big role at Fam Jam

It wasn’t just athletes who took the field as some big games in the entertainment industry also stole some of the spotlight Wednesday night.

Ruben Studdard sang the national anthem before the event, just after the Miles College choir sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Ramsay High School band was in the stands, playing music throughout the event.

Birmingham native Roy Wood Jr. was on the MLB Network broadcast Tuesday night then got to play in the softball game. The Ramsay High School graduate used to play baseball at Rickwood.

“I don’t think on a personal level it’s sunk in yet. I played high school here and you’re going to look up when all of the cameras and celebrities are gone, there’s now a viable field here where numerous city schools can play.”

~ Roy Wood Jr.

Rickey Smiley, another Birmingham comedian and radio personality, also played in the softball game Wednesday night.

Other entertainers who participated in the event included:

• DC Young Fly
• Earthgang
• Lil Rel Howery
• Omari Hardwick
• Phoebe Robinson
• Sam Jay

The night finished with a concert from Metro Boomin on a stage in the outfield. Most of the crowd stuck around for the show, often bringing more excitement for each song than the softball game itself.

Were you out at the Fam Jam at Rickwood Field? Let us know your experience by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.