24th Annual Rickwood Classic Slated for June 8th

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood welcome fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 24th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Stewart Lubricants and Service Company, and Drummond Company, Inc.

Lou Piniella, Coal Barons Highlight 23rd Annual Rickwood Classic Tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE – This annual game is set for Wednesday, May 29th at 12:30 pm and will celebrate the beginning of baseball at Rickwood Field. The game will feature the Birmingham Barons against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Former veteran MLB player and Manager “Sweet Lou” Piniella will be the special guest of honor and will be available for autographs during the game.

Barons Show the Love, Launch 7th Inning Wave

Inspired by the Iowa Wave during football games at the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) have started a similar tradition for their home games. The Children’s of Alabama Hospital overlooks Regions Field, the home stadium for the Barons. So, during the seventh inning stretch, players and fans wave at center field in the direction of the hospital.  Read more here and here.

So cool.

Instead of a 7th inning stretch, the @BhamBarons are doing a "7th inning wave" where fans wave to patients of at the Children's Hospital of Alabama that's located in right field.https://t.co/Yt32txiFFM

(📹: @abc3340) pic.twitter.com/8qHkw6DGs2

— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 12, 2019

Rickwood Classic Returns Today

The Rickwood Classic takes place on Wednesday, May 30, at Rickwood Field — America’s oldest baseball park, as the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) play host to the Chattanooga Lookouts starting at 12:30 p.m.  The Barons will don uniforms from “Fabulous Fifties” when the club was affiliated with the New York Yankees from 1953 – 1956.  The Lookouts will also wear period unis.  View 2018 Rickwood Classic Fan Guide here.

 

Chicken & Waffles, Irish Nachos Highlight Barons New Food Lineup

The Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and Parkview Catering have introduced new concessions food & beverage items for the 2018 season including Chicken & Waffles and Irish Nachos.  Read more here.  Speaking of food, the Barons have also unveiled a specialty jersey for Aug. 25.

Rickwood Classic Returns

The Rickwood Classic is back at historic Rickwood Field for the 2018 game to be held on Wednesday, May 30.  The Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and the Friends of Rickwood have announced that the 22nd annual game is back at the venue after being cancelled last year due to structural repair issues to the 108-year old ballpark.  Read more here.

Rickwood Field Expected to Reopen in Time for 2018 Rickwood Classic

Emergency structural repairs to historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham (AL) are expected to start soon and be completed in time for the annual Rickwood Classic in May.  The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved awarding a $1 million contract to JJ Morley Enterprises Inc. to complete structural work under the grand stand of the field.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the heads up.

Hoover Met to Host MLB Prospects Scouting Event

Baseball is still alive at the MiLB-departed Hoover Met.  The top 150 Major League Baseball prospects for the East Coast will be coming to Hoover (AL) this summer, as East Coast Pro, a non-profit run by MLB scouts, will stage its annual scouting event at the Hoover Met Complex Aug. 1 through 4, 2018.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the heads up.

Barons Unveil ‘Magic City’ Alternative Unis and Merchandise

The Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) will debut a new “Magic City” alternate jersey and cap during the upcoming 2018 season.  Read more and view photos here.  Thanks to John DeLeonard for the heads up.

Barons to Host 2018 Southern League All-Star Game, Unveil Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons are excited to announce that Regions Field will host the 2018 Southern League All-Star Game. The Barons, in partnership with Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Wetumpka and the Southern League, will put on multiple events to welcome the best and brightest stars of the Southern League to the Magic City.

Rickwood Field Closes for Emergency Repairs, Rickwood Classic Moved

Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America and one of only two original Negro League baseball stadiums still standing, has been closed for emergency repairs.  According the Rickwood Facebook page:

“Based on preliminary inspections by the City of Birmingham engineers, structural shoring and repair will be necessary before Rickwood will be ready to host another event. The City has declared the need for repairs and emergency situation and work will begin immediately. The City has budgeted $450,000 in phase 2 bond funds to being the work.”).

As a result, the annual Rickwood Classic scheduled for May 31 has been moved to Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League).  Read more here.

Tim Tebow Pursuing Baseball Career, Minor League Teams Engage

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion Tim Tebow is pursuing a career in professional baseball. Several minor league teams responded, including the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Read more here.

Sculpture of Willie Mays to be Unveiled

PRESS RELEASE – The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society is dedicating a sculpture created by local artists Caleb O’ Connor and Craig Wedderspoon as a lasting tribute to former Time Inc. CEO and current Birmingham Barons owner, Don Logan, the Society’s 2015 Legacy of Leadership honoree.

Barons Set Attendance Record

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons once again set a new attendance record at Regions Field, welcoming 8,607 fans for the third record-breaking crowd in the past four home games.

Residential Development Near Barons Home Opens for Business

The Venue at the Ballpark, a residential development near Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and Railroad Park, is now open and boasts 236 apartment units.  The development abuts the stadium’s outfield wall and offers sweet views of the venue.  Read more here.  View photo gallery here.

White Sox, Barons Extend PDC

Building off the success of three consecutive attendance record setting seasons, the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and the Chicago White Sox have jointly agreed to terms on a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract through 2020.  Read more here.

Happy Birthday to America’s Oldest Ballpark!

Rickwood Field in Birmingham (AL) turned 105 on Tuesday.  The historic stadium is home of the annual Rickwood Classic, which should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list, and the former home of the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League).  Read more here.  Learn more about the ballpark by going to Rickwood.com.

Fans to Choose Jerseys for ‘Star Wars Night’

The Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League) are asking fans to vote on which Star Wars-themed jerseys the team should wear on “Star Wars Night” at Regions Field on Aug. 15, 2015.  Read more here.  Vote via Facebook here.

Darryl Strawberry to Headline 2015 Rickwood Classic

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood are happy to welcome baseball fans back to historic Rickwood Field for the 20th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by State Farm Insurance in 2015. Set for Wednesday, May 27th, the classic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first throwback game, played in 1996, and turns back the clock to the 1948 season.

Funding for Negro League Museum Approved, ‘Venue at the Ballpark’ Breaks Ground

The city of Birmingham (AL) has approved funding for the $5 million Negro League baseball museum that is set to open in April, and on Thursday, Inland American Communities and Corporate Realty made the multifamily development, Venue at the Ballpark, official with a ceremonial groundbreaking.  Read more and view renderings here.

Contract Approved: ‘Bama to Play at Hoover Met

The City of Hoover (AL) approved a contract with the University of Alabama Monday that will have the Crimson Tide play its home baseball schedule at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium next season.  The ballpark was the former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the link.

It’s the ‘Roaring Twenties’ and Dwight Gooden for 19th Annual Rickwood Classic Set for June 25

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood will welcome baseball fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 19th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by State Farm Insurance® and YP. Set for Wednesday, June 25th, the classic will celebrate the ‘Roaring Twenties’. The 12:30 p.m. contest will showcase the Birmingham Barons

Crimson Tide Negotiating to Play 2015 Season at Hoover Met

The University of Alabama is negotiating to play its 2015 baseball season at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover (AL), as 66-year-old Sewell Thomas Stadium, the Crimson Tide’s on-campus home, undergoes a $35 million renovation.  Read more here.  Read more about the Sewell renovation here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the links.

Barons Receive ‘Real’ Ballpark Award

It’s no “virtual” award here.  Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com was at Regions Field Saturday to present the 2013 Baseballparks.com Ballpark Of The Year award to the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League) and the city of Birmingham (AL) for their impressive one-year-old, 8,500-seat baseball stadium.  Read more here.

Joe Mock presents the 2013 BaseballParks.com Ballpark Of The Year Award to Don Logan, one of the owners of the Barons.

 

Barons, White Sox Renew PDC

PRESS RELEASE – Riding a groundswell of support since the opening of Regions Field and the team’s Southern League Championship in 2013, the Barons and Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a four-year extension of their Player Development Contract, which will run through the 2018 season. The new agreement ensures

Barons Announce Details for 19th Rickwood Classic

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood will welcome baseball fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 19th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by State Farm Insurance® and YP.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Rickwood Field (Birmingham, AL)

Eric and Wendy Pastore from DigitalBallparks.com visit historic Rickwood Field, former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern Association/ League), Birmingham Black Barons (Negro Leagues), and current home of the annual Rickwood Classic.  Read more and view huge photo gallery here.  Visit the Friends of Rickwood website here.

Birmingham’s Regions Field Named BaseballParks.com’s Ballpark of the Year

PRESS RELEASE – Interest has been incredibly high in the ballpark that opened in Birmingham, Alabama in April. Locals have been keenly interested in all aspects of the new park, so much so that the server that hosts BaseballParks.com crashed when so many Alabamans flocked to read the site’s in-depth ballpark review the day it was posted.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (Hoover, AL)

Eric and Wendy Pastore from DigitalBallparks.com recently visited Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more and view photos here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Regions Field (Birmingham, AL)

Eric and Wendy Pastore from DigitalBallparks.com recently visited Regions Field, the new home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more and view photos here.

Huntsville Calls On Birmingham

The Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League) recently hosted a delegation from Huntsville (AL) led by Mayor Tommy Battle to give them a tasty look at the new Regions Field.  The mayor is exploring the possibility of a downtown replacement for outdated Joe Davis Stadium, home of the Double-A Huntsville Stars (Southern League).  Read more here and here.

Hoover Met Gets More Upgrades

The Hoover (AL) City Council Monday night approved spending another $352,000 on Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Hoover officials are hoping to lure some “A-list” concert acts with electrical upgrades and more.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the link.

Outfield Entertainment Center Unveiled Tonight, Rickwood Classic Tomorrow

The Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League) will unveil their new Outfield Entertainment Area at Regions Field Tuesday night.  Read more here.  The team will then take a break from the confines of their fancy new ballpark to play in the 18th annual Rickwood Classic at Rickwood Field on Wednesday afternoon.  Read more here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Regions Field (Birmingham, AL)

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited Regions Field, the new home for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Mr. Mock delivers an impressive 5,000-word ballpark review covering the facility’s development, design and construction, and the overall fan experience.  Read more and view photos here.  Read about Mock’s visit on AL.com.

Regions Field Opening Just One Day Away

Construction crews are working around the clock to put the final touches on Regions Field, home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League), before the stadium’s inaugural opening on Wednesday.  Read more here.  View photo gallery here.

UAB Blazers Could Be Playing Games at New Regions Field

The Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League) are in talks with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) about hosting Blazers home game at the new Regions Field.  Read more here.

Barons Expand Front Office Staff for 2013 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The Barons have announced eight new additions to their Front Office staff for the 2013 season: Don Leo, Corporate Sales Manager, Brett Oates, Group Sales Manager, Steve Bayko, Community Group Ticket Representative, Sydney Weldon, Corporate Event Planner, Joseph Cooper, Director of Retail Sales, Randy Prince, Chief Financial Officer, George

Council Approves Funding for Hoover Met Improvements

The Hoover (AL) City Council on Monday voted to approve spending up to $600,000 on repairs, maintenance and new signs for Hoover Metropolitan Stadium , the former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more here.

At 50, Looking Back at Michael Jordan’s Short-Lived Baseball Career

Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan turns 50 today, so Star-Ledger Columnist Steve Politi thought he would take a look back at Jordan’s “forgettable” attempt at playing professional baseball.  Read more here.  View Sports Illustrated photo gallery here.  Watch ESPN’s Jordan Rides the Bus film clip here.

Council to Consider Funding Hoover Met Improvements

The Hoover (AL) City Council on Monday will consider a proposal to spend $600,000 on repairs, maintenance and new signs for Hoover Metropolitan Stadium , the former home of the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more here.