MLB Commish: Game at Rickwood Field to highlight 2024 baseball season

Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred believes this summer’s game between the San Fransico Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Historic Rickwood Field and the possible appearance of Willie Mays will be a highlight of the 2024 season.

Manfred loves the idea of playing in Birmingham

In an Opening Day interview yesterday on the MLB Network Manfred, who has been MLB’s commissioner since 2015  made the following statement about the importance of the game.

“I do think Rickwood is going to be a highlight of the year for us. I think there’s a great theme surrounding it. I love the idea of taking our game to places we have not been where we don’t play regularly. And I particularly like it when there’s some historic significance to it. At Rickwood, that’s certainly the case. 

I also think it’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate one of the greatest players in the game. You’ve already said I was a Mantle guy, but hard to argue how great Willie Mays was.

~ MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

When asked if Mays would show up for the game, Manfred added:

“I hope that his health will allow it. The plan is yes.  I hope that he’s healthy enough to do it.”

Tribute to the Negro Leagues on June 20

The classic, which is scheduled for June 20th between the Giants and Cardinals, is titled: MLB at Rickwood Field — A Tribute to the Negro Leagues.

Currently, Rickwood Field is undergoing $4.5 million in upgrades for the game.

Fairfield native and former Birmingham Black Baron Willie Mays turns 93 on May 6th. He is widely considered one the greatest players to ever play the game.

In the coming months, we expect to hear news from Major League Baseball about ticket availability.

What do you think of the big game coming to Rickwood this summer? Tell us your favorite Rickwood memory on social media by tagging us on social media @bhamnow