Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
‘Sacred ground’: Biscuits, Barons take on historic Rickwood Field
While Thursday night’s event may get more of the eyes of the nation, two in-state minor league baseball teams got to take on Rickwood Field first.
The Montgomery Biscuits traveled up I-65 to square off with the Birmingham Barons to start a series between the Southern League’s two division winners. Here’s some quick numbers from Tuesday’s game:
- Final: Biscuits 6, Barons 5
- Attendance: 7,866
- MGM CF Chandler Simpson: 3-for-4, 3 SBs, R, RBI
- BHM C Edgar Quero: 5-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Keep reading to find out more about the game + see what some of the players and coaching staff had to say about the experience.
Initial look at Rickwood Field
Both teams arrived at the stadium a few hours before the first pitch, walking around the field to take in the historic ballpark before changing into the vintage uniforms for a picture in front of the stadium.
“This is sacred ground. It’s an honor to be here. The first time I ever saw old Comiskey Park, the first time I ever saw Fenway, Wrigley Field. This ranks right up there. This is one of the greatest days. I’ve been able to do this a long time and to be able to be at this ballpark, I can see why everybody thinks this place is so special.”
~ Montgomery Biscuits manager Kevin Boles
Before the game, the two teams got the opportunity to speak with four former Negro League players including:
- Joseph Marbury
- Ferdinand Rutledge
- Alphonse Holt
- Clinton “Tiny” Forge
Those players were also a part of the pregame ceremonies on the field, throwing out the first pitches.
“Just to be here is a huge blessing. Many great players came before us and we play this game because we love it and we have fun but without these great players, we wouldn’t be able to even play this game. Just happy to cherish this moment, taking it all in.”
~ Biscuits player Keyshawn Askew
Biscuits hold off Barons’ comeback attempt
The game itself got off to a slow start for the Birmingham fans in attendance as the visiting Biscuits jumped out to a five-run lead after just two innings.
Former UAB baseball player Chandler Simpson had the first at bat of the night, singling to lead off the game before stealing two bases then scoring in the first inning. He finished with three hits and three stolen bases in Montgomery’s win.
Birmingham tried to fight back but was the victim of the new standards at the ballpark on multiple occasions. The Barons hit two balls high off the right field wall, which turned two possible home runs into two doubles.
The Barons crowd got back into it in the ninth inning when the team loaded the bases and cut the deficit to one run.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to really represent Birmingham and play our game. We’re playing good baseball. It’s a great team to represent the city and it’s a great city to represent so I’m happy to be a part of it.”
~ Barons designated hitter Alsander Womack
But with runners on the corners, Montgomery turned a game-ending double play to seal the victory at Rickwood.
News of Willie Mays’ death
The San Francisco Giants posted the news that Birmingham native Willie Mays passed away Thursday. That news broke during the 7th inning stretch at Rickwood Field.
Prior to the 8th inning, that news was announced to the crowd. A graphic was shown on the videoboard just before a standing ovation from the crowd honored Mays’ life and baseball career.
“It definitely hits you a little bit. It gets you to think back on what an honor it is to not just wear the jersey but participate in the game today… Willie Mays left a legacy that we want to fulfill. We’re all trying to play the game the way he played.”
~ Barons manager Sergio Santos
Were you at Tuesday’s game at Rickwood Field? Let us know your experience by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
