The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) will host one of Minor League Baseball‘s best traditions Wednesday, when the annual Rickwood Classic is played.
The Barons have traditionally played one game per season at Rickwood Field, the historic ballpark in Birmingham. Each edition of the Rickwood Classic has a certain theme, with this year’s installment recognizing the ballpark’s first game, played on August 18, 1910.
In addition to throwback 1910 Coal Barons uniforms worn by the Barons, Wednesday’s Rickwood Classic–pitting the Barons against the visiting Montgomery Biscuits–will feature a guest appearance from former major league player and manager Lou Piniella. The game begins at 12:30 CST. More from AL.com:
This year’s Rickwood Classic celebrates the inaugural game played at Birmingham’s historic Rickwood Field on Aug. 18, 1910 between the Birmingham Coal Barons and Montgomery Climbers. Birmingham’s roster included eight future Big League players, according to the Barons, including three-time 20-game winner Harry Coveleski and White Sox outfielder Bobby Messenger.
Wednesday’s game begins at 12:30 p.m., and tickets are available at the gate.
The Barons will don the uniforms worn by the 1910 Coal Barons, which featured a cream-colored base with the iconic black diamond “B” logo on the right sleeve and black numbers on the back. The team will also wear vintage white caps with black bills and a prominent black B.
The 2019 Rickwood Classic will mark the 23rd annual edition of the game. You can see some of our previous coverage of the Rickwood Classic here.