MLB at Rickwood Field
On June 13, 2023, initial reports revealed that the Giants would play in a Field of Dreams style game, celebrating Willie Mays in Alabama.
[4] On June 20, 2023, MLB released a statement indicating that "On-field personnel for both teams will wear period uniforms highlighting the Negro Leagues histories of both St. Louis and San Francisco.
Jerry Brewer of The Washington Post wrote, "MLB is tasked with performing tasteful cosmetic surgery on a ballpark known for its old and minimalist charm.
Other renovations include new dugouts, a modern batter's eye in center field, a digital scoreboard, netting along the foul lines and accessibility upgrades.
With sadness in our hearts, it will now also serve as a national remembrance of an American who will forever remain on the short list of the most impactful individuals our great game has ever known.
Since Wade is one of the prominent Black players in MLB and one of three in the Giants' clubhouse, along with pitchers Spencer Bivens and Jordan Hicks, he made it his goal to return for the Rickwood Field game.
Adrian Johnson served as the crew chief and first-base ump, while Alan Porter called balls and strikes.
[18] Infielders Outfielders Designated Hitters Coaches Infielders Designated Hitters Coaches Musical artist Jon Batiste strummed a guitar while dancing on a wooden stage near home plate to kick off the pregame ceremonies with his band which included Brittney Spencer, Willie Jones, and C.S.
[citation needed] Fans stood as the Cardinals and Giants led former Negro Leaguers were helped to the field for a pregame ceremony.
In the first inning, San Francisco batter Matt Chapman grounded out to Brandon Crawford, a longtime Giants shortstop who was playing his first game of his professional career at third base for the Cardinals, with whom he had signed before the season.
[27] In the bottom half of the first, The Cardinals kicked off the scoring when Nolan Gorman hit a sacrifice fly to plate Masyn Winn.
The inning showed a split screen of the pitcher and runner at first, as well as 1950s-style camera angles for a ground ball Heliot Ramos hit that resulted in a double play.
In the top half of the sixth inning, Wilmer Flores singled to center to score Matt Chapman and move Jorge Soler to third.
The bullpens dealt throughout the rest of the game, including Adam Kloffenstein making his Major League Baseball debut, and Ryan Helsley shut the door on the Giants to earn the save.
The fans in the stadium found out about Mays' passing as the Rickwood Field PA announcer addressed the crowd in between the 7th and 8th inning.
[31] African-American Rays top 10 prospect and Biscuits center fielder, Chandler Simpson tweaked his calf trying to make a play in the bottom of the seventh inning and had exited the game with the team trainer.
