BIRMINGHAM, AL — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined spectators and baseball enthusiasts at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024, to celebrate the East-West Classic Major League Baseball (MLB) game, an event featuring retired MLB stars and honoring the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
The event took place at Rickwood Field, recognized as the oldest professional baseball park in the United States. The East-West Classic pays tribute to the historic East-West All-Star Game, which was held annually by the Negro Leagues from 1933 to 1962.
“I can think of no better place than America’s oldest ballpark for the East-West Classic to be played,” Senator Britt said during the event. “Rickwood Field has been home to legends and inspired legends—every game played here serves as a powerful tribute to the men who played in the Negro Leagues and didn’t get the recognition they deserved in their own day.”
Senator Britt also reflected on the influence of past players and emphasized the importance of preserving their stories for future generations. The East-West Classic serves as a platform to recognize their contributions to the game and broader cultural history.
This year’s celebration follows last year’s first-ever regular season MLB game held at Rickwood Field, which honored both the Negro Leagues and the legacy of baseball icon Willie Mays. Living former Negro League players were invited to attend, and the event featured a matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants.
In the 118th Congress, Senator Britt co-led a bipartisan Senate resolution honoring Willie Mays alongside Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). The resolution celebrated Mays’ impact on the sport and his legacy as a native of Westfield, Alabama.
“Willie Mays was a true giant—simply put, he was the greatest of all-time,” Britt stated after the resolution passed. “It is only fitting that the U.S. Senate honors his enduring legacy and legendary contributions to America’s pastime.”
The MLB events at Rickwood Field continue to highlight Alabama’s role in baseball history while drawing national attention to efforts that honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and its players.
