This year, Major League Baseball (MLB) revealed that instead of having a Field of Dreams game at the corn fields in Iowa, there will instead be a special game held at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The Field of Dreams game did not take place in 2023 due to construction at the original site which is still ongoing. However, this will instead allow the MLB to highlight the oldest professional ballpark in the United States.
Our team here at Legacy Turf Farms is thrilled to provide the sod at Rickwood Field for this year game! Check out our beautiful Tahoma 31 at Rickwood Field!
What is Rickwood Field?
Rickwood Field, built in 1910, gives us a glimpse into the past. It was once the home of the Birmingham Black Barons, one of the most successful teams during an era when segregation prevented black players fr
om participating in Major League Baseball. The Negro Leagues provided a platform for these talented athletes to showcase their skills and served as a pathway to the MLB for some. Additional facts about Rickwood Field include:
- It is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States
- The stadium was modeled after Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field
- Rickwood Field was the first Minor League ballpark constructed from concrete and steel
- The ballpark served as the Spring Training home for the Philadelphia Phillies (1911, 1920) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (1919)
If You Don’t Already Know About Willie Mays
Willie Mays (or “the Say Hey kid”) is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He began his professional career with the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948 at the age of 17 before moving on to Major League Baseball. Mays’ exceptional talent and dynamic playing style quickly earned him recognition, and ultimately led him to carry out an unbelievable career that included 24 All-Star appearances. His time with the Black Barons is a testament to the incredible talent that existed in the Negro Leagues. Some additional career highlights include:
- 660 career home runs, placing him sixth on the all-time list
- 12-time Gold Glove Award winner for his outstanding defensive skills in center field
- 2-time National League MVP (1954, 1965) and Rookie of the Year (1951)
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 with 94.7% of the vote
- Named to the MLB All-Century Team in 1999, recognizing him as one of the greatest players of the 20th century
Who is playing in the Rickwood Field game?
The 2024 MLB game at Rickwood Field will feature a matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals. This choice is fitting as Willie Mays spent most of his MLB career with the Giants. Some more details about this game:
- This will be the first MLB game ever played in the state of Alabama.
- This game will serve as the opener of a three-game series, concluding with two games at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Saturday and Sunday.
- The game will also feature special uniforms worn by both teams with the Giants wearing San Francisco Sea Lions uniforms and the Cardinals wearing St. Louis Stars uniforms
FAQs about the 2024 MLB Game at Rickwood Field
- When and where is the Field of Dreams game taking place in 2024? Instead of a Field of Dreams game in 2024, the MLB is hosting a game that will take place at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama on June 20th, 2024
- What teams are playing at Rickwood Field in 2024? The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will face off at the start of a three-game series.
- How can I watch the MLB game at Rickwood Field? This game will be broadcast live on FOX and over the radio on KNBR 680AM & 104.5FM
- What is the significance of Rickwood Field in baseball history? Rickwood Field, built in 1910, is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and was home to the Birmingham Black Barons.
- Why is the game being held at Rickwood Field instead of the Field of Dreams site? The game was relocated to Rickwood Field due to ongoing construction at the Field of Dreams site in Iowa.
- Who provided the sod for this years MLB Rickwood Field game? Our team here at Legacy Turf Farms!
What is Tahoma 31?
Tahoma 31 is a top-rated Bermuda grass celebrated for its exceptional durability, drought tolerance, and beautiful, lush appearance, making it perfect for both lawns and sports fields like Rickwood Field. Discover why Tahoma 31 is the best choice for your turf needs here: Learn More about Tahoma 31.
