Rickwood Field--America's Oldest Ballpark

Built in 1910 Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL, is the oldest ballpark in America (as determined by the National Park Service. It was the home playing field for innumerable stars of the Southern Association, various Negro Leagues, and the Southern League between 1910 and 1987.

So who played here? Just the likes of Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth, and Hank Aaron. And oh yes, Willie Mays, Jimmy Piersall, Walt Dropo (who hit the longest home run recorded here), Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Christy Mathewson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Dizzy Dean and Rollie Fingers.

Today the ballpark is used for a variety of Birmingham area leagues.

Contributions for the continuing restoration of the ballpark are always welcome and needed. Make out a check to: Friends of Rickwood at 2031 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205.

If you are in the neighborhood the field is open for self-guided tours and they encourage you to go out on the field. I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Panorama of Rickwood Field. 

A peek into the field. 

It's like going back to the 50's. 

National Historic Place 

This was pre-Michael Jordan.

The home dugout.