Key Takeaways:
- Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S., will host a Minor League game on May 27, 2026
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos will face Birmingham Barons in tribute to Black baseball history
- The historic ballpark hosted legends like Willie Mays and Satchel Paige
The oldest professional ballpark in the United States is set to host a Minor League game once again.
Minor League Baseball is coming back to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Double-A Miami Marlins) take on the hometown Birmingham Barons (Double-A Chicago White Sox) on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
A Tribute to Black Baseball History:
In a celebration of Rickwood Field place in Black baseball history, Pensacca will wear jerseys of the Pensacola Seagulls a feeder team to the Negro Southern League during segregation when they face the Barons.
Rickwood Field opened in 1910 for the Birmingham Barons and became the home of the Birmingham Black Barons. The historic ballpark hosted Hall of Famers including Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Willie Wells, and Mule Suttles.
Quote from Blue Wahoos President:
We could not be more excited to join the Barons at Rickwood Field in 2026, said Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith. The Blue Wahoos have always celebrated our community rich baseball history. Connecting this past to the future stars of tomorrow at The Rickwood Game will be an unforgettable experience.
A Return to Rickwood:
The modern-day Double-A Barons played the Rickwood Classic at the historic stadium each year from 1996-2016 and 2018-19. This will be the first Rickwood appearance for the Pensacola franchise.
Rickwood Field underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation leading to MLB and MiLB games in 2024, and in 2025 the venue hosted a game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Barons, as well as Major League Baseball East-West Classic.
Cinematic History:
Rickwood Field has also been used in major motion picture productions, including the 2013 biopic 42 about Jackie Robinson. The vintage atmosphere continues to make it a unique destination for baseball fans.
Off the Record: This game represents more than just Minor League Baseball — it is a continuation of Black baseball legacy that was nearly lost. Rickwood Field hosted legends like Willie Mays before he became a Hall of Famer. Seeing the Pensacola Seagulls jerseys pays homage to the teams that kept baseball alive during segregation. In an era where baseball is working to better embrace its diverse history, this game is a small but meaningful step forward.
