MLB returns to Rickwood Field for East-West Classic [PHOTOS]

It was a rainy Juneteenth in Birmingham but after a three-hour weather delay, baseball fans got to witness some of their favorite players over the last three decades take the field.

One year after its last trip to the Magic City, Major League Baseball returned to historic Rickwood Field this year as the stadium hosted the league’s second annual East-West Classic, featuring former MLB players compete in a home run derby + a five-inning exhibition game.

“There’s a direct connection between this field and all of us because we wouldn’t be able to play the game if it wasn’t for the guys that paved the way that played on this field. This won’t be the last time we’re down here.”

CC Sabathia, former MLB pitcher

Read a full recap on Bham Now.

Several former big leaguers returned to the field for the first time in years to participate in Thursday’s event and they delivered plenty of excitement for the fans.

Some of the fan favorites of the day included:

• CC Sabathia
• Dusty Baker (manager)
• Andruw Jones
• Nick Swisher
• Birmingham native Jerry Hairston
• Ryan Howard

“These are my friends. It’s like a family reunion when we get together so it’s always a lot of fun then you throw baseball in there and it’s going to be a blast.”

CC Sabathia

Read a full recap on Bham Now.

Willie Mays Park

“To be able to prop Willie up and serve Willie. Do the field renovations and name the pavilion after him. It’s just little things that we can do to show our appreciation for Willie + the ballplayer he was.”

CC Sabathia

MLB’s trip to Alabama also involved a massive renovation to Willie Mays Park in Fairfield.

Read more about the work done + see the new field surface and updated stands.

We hope to find the next Willie Mays.

April Brown, MLB’s Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility & Diversity

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