rickwood field park

As the oldest surviving professional baseball park in America when you walk into the park it is like walking back in time 100 years. I went to see the Barons play there as a child. If you are a baseball fan in the Birmingham area in the last week of May the Rickwood Classic is a must see event. The only drawback is the once prominent "West End" of Birmingham has deteriorated over the years so be aware of your surroundings but that should not stop you from visiting this beautiful piece of history..

I try to see one ball game each spring here. This is a ball park like they used to be before everything in the country went over the top commercial.This is an old park like they used to be. Make sure to check out the pictures around the stadium of people going in the 20's. Parking can be tight so get there early.

For the baseball aficionado, Rickwood Field is a must-see. Its not only the oldest baseball stadium in the world, but the museum areas have a nice collection of photos, programs, caps and uniforms, and other memorabilia that make for a nice 30-minutes - and best of all, you can go out on the field and walk/jog/run, and even have a catch.Granted, its in a low-end neighborhood, and you want to park either on the Stadium grounds or directly in front of it...and there is nothing nearby (you can't even get a drink of water inside)...but the Friends of Rickwood are doing their best to try to find ways to upgrade and restore it.The local "AA" team (Birmingham Barons) played here for many years, before leaving for a suburban home (The Hoover Met) and then moving back to downtown (but in a much better area) two summers ago. It was also the home of the Negro League "Birmingham Black Barons," and countless future major leaguers as well as legendary Negro Leaguers played here.Once each June, the current Barons play a throwback exhibition game, including miserably uncomfortable wool uniforms (yes, in the "good old days," baseball uniforms were wool, making for a rather tough experience when there were only day games).Local high school and college teams also play games there, so there's plenty of opportunities to see live action.All told, its a fun visit, one you should definitely make if baseball means anything to you.

When I was a kid in the 1950's my Dad took me many times to Rickwood Field to see the Birmingham Barons in the old Southern League. Some of my favorite memories are here. Rickwood is still in great shape. It compares in age and style to Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago. If you are a baseball fan, you must see Rickwood.

On your way, you feel like you must going the wrong way... just in the middle of some forgotten neighborhood, then boom there it is. We parked on a neighborhood street a ways away and walked. Thankfully our car was not tampered with. We went on the day the Barons played in the old timey uniforms etc…There was a live jazz band playing oldies. A few folks in the audience and around were dressed up in 30's (I think) style clothes. Over all, it was a very fun, nostalgic experience. Cash only to get in, but there was an ATM available. Food was standard baseball park fare of hotdogs, popcorn, nachos etc... Vendors did stroll through the crowds selling drinks and peanuts as well.

Going to Rickwood Field is like stepping back in time and it is great for a visit. The park is the oldest operational ballpark in the united states and has a great baseball history. I loved the closeness to the field as we watched the yearly Rickwood Classic Ballgame. Great place to take a step back in time.

For baseball fans, this is a great stop if you're in Birmingham. The oldest field in the U.S. There is a self-guided tour with some interesting information about the field. Wish we could have seen a game there, but just glad we got to see a part of baseball history!

For baseball fans, this is a must on your list. It was built in 1910, and they still play games here! If you can catch the Rickwood classic that will make it even better! They dress in 20s era clothing! Sitting on the old, uncomfortable benches, having a pole block your view, smelling the popcorn, really is an experience!! But if you can't see the game you can still go in and tour the stadium. It is in a rough area but it didn't feel unsafe during the day.

Attended the Rickwood Classic and enjoyed the feeling if the stadium. Sure there are posts that block the view of the field and you find yourself leaning to see the end of some plays. This is how it was in the old time stadiums. The field and stadium are in great shape and well maintained. Loved how after you walk past the turn styles there is a big chalk board listing the starting line up of the teams. Would like to see the Barons play more than one game per year there.

We took a trip to watch the MS Braves play the Birmingham Barron's @ the historic Rickwood Classic. It was just like a game from the 20's. Teams had throwback uniforms, the music, umpires attire. This was an awesome experience!

It looks like it did 80 years ago. It appears that they are trying to renovate it. Has old time ads on the outfield fence. There is a self guided tour and you can walk around the park on your own. Definitely worth a stop.

Went for business when invited by one of my husband's clients. Will go back for the fun! The park is right in the middle of city of Birmingham and such a suprise. Have worked here for 30 years and attended the games in Hoover, but had not been since it moved to Railroad park. Great job Birmingham. Easy parking close, nice security presence and good food venues inside the ballpark!

Rickwood is one of the oldest fields still played on. There is a lot of history on this field. Each time we play here it adds another great memory of baseball fun, family time, and friendships being made. For the last tow years we have been able to participate in the :Play at the Plate tournaments. Our team was a father/ son/ daughter team. These tournaments have been lifetime memories for the kids, but especially for the father's. Being able to play competitive baseball with their sons and daughters is absolutely "out of the park".

If you love Baseball and you love History you need to see this place. One of the oldest baseball fields and the history of who played there is wonderful. It is in a rough part of Bham so be careful.

Oldest professional baseball park in the nation, Rickwood Field in Birmingham is a must see if you are a baseball fan and near Birmingham. This well preserved baseball jewel has quite a history. We were lucky to have Leigh and his wife who are members of the Friends of Rickwood meet us while traveling through Birmingham, they put on quite a tour. To be able to walk through the club house and field where Willie Mays played was a treat. The original outfield walls where made out of cement and over 400 ft. from home. Later newer outfield walls were made to give batters a much better chance to hit one out, the originals still stand. Such a neat place! The movie Cobb was one of many movies filmed at Rickwood. Hats off to the locals for preserving such a historic site! I have been to many major and minor league baseball parks and can tell you this is one of my favorite!