Rickwood Field Named One of "America's 100 Most Important Sports Venues"
Published on September 19, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Historic Rickwood Field has been named one of "America's 100 Most Important Sports Venues", according to an ESPN.com column published Friday. Renowned baseball and travel writer Jim Caple compiled the list that is headed by Yankee Stadium, which is set to close its doors later this month after having hosted New York Yankees baseball since 1923. Rickwood Field, the former home of the Birmingham Barons and Birmingham Black Barons baseball teams, registered at number 97 on the list. The field had also been listed by Caple in a prior column as "100 Places Every Sports Fan Must Visit Before They Die".
Located on the western edge of Birmingham, Rickwood opened its doors in 1910 and served as the home of the Barons through the 1987 season, after which the team moved to its current location in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover. The Black Barons Negro Leagues team called the facility home until the late 1950's.
The field annually hosts the "Rickwood Classic", a turn-back-the-clock game featuring the Barons and one of their Southern League opponents wearing throwback jerseys and honoring the city's rich baseball history.
Held each year since 1996, the Classic is scheduled to return on an as-yet unnamed date in 2009. Local high schools, semi-pro teams, and police and fire leagues play games at the field each year as well.
Rickwood was one of three venues with Minor League ties to have made the list. Midway Stadium, the home of the St. Paul Saints independent league team known for its offbeat and wacky promotions, was listed at number 92. Coney Island, which serves as the home of the theme park of the same name and the Rookielevel Brooklyn Cyclones Minor League team, checked in at number 93.
Rickwood was also one of a triumvirate of Alabama sports venues to make the list. NASCAR's legendary Talladega Superspeedway was featured at number 24, and Legion Field hit number 82 due to its lengthy history hosting college football.
After Yankee Stadium topped the list, Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles), Madison Square Garden, The Astrodome, and Augusta National Golf Club rounded out the top five. According to Caple, contenders for the list "have had a profound influence on the way American sports are played or have enjoyed multiple historic moments or, better yet, have had both."
Over the next few weeks, the Barons will be announcing information for the 2009 season, including schedule, ticket prices, promotions calendar, and Rickwood Classic details. For more information, call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com.
Southern League Stories from September 19, 2008
- Rickwood Field Named One of "America's 100 Most Important Sports Venues" - Birmingham Barons
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