The Newsletter of America’s Oldest Ballpark Volume 2, Issue 1

March 5, 2021 R ICKWOOD T ALES

Rickwood Calendar N O R ICKWOOD C LASSIC FOR 2021 1/3/5/21 to 6/5/21: The re- with the health and safety of return for the 24th annual Rickwood Classic in 2022 • March 6: leased the team’s 2021 sched- the players, fans, and employ- ule a few weeks ago. Unfortu- ees of the Barons as the ut- once the pandemic has sub- SABR Chapter Meeting nately, a date for the Rickwood most priority. The protocols in sided. With the loss of the (11:30AM to 1:00 PM) Classic did not appear. Despite place made scheduling a single Classic, the Friends have the best efforts of the Barons game at Rickwood Field an again lost one of the largest • March 6, & 20-21; April 3- and MLB, which has taken over impossibility this season. revenue sources used to 4, 14 & 20: Miles College maintain and restore the ball- the operations of the minor games at Rickwood leagues, the game cannot be park. Please consider a dona- (See Miles’ website for played due to COVID-19. Games The Friends of Rickwood are tion today on our website. hopeful that the Barons will times) at will be played Thank you! • Birmingham High School baseball (See our website for dates & times) W HO A RE T HE F RIENDS OF R ICKWOOD ? Get Your Rickwood Gear! P ART 3 : H OORAY FOR H OLLYWOOD ! • Caps, t-shirts, posters, R ICKWOOD F IELD G OES TO THE M OVIES books, and other Rick- wood merchandise are In the past installments on in the story and a photograph of also reported the story. Rick- available for purchase on the origins of The Friends of them accompanied the piece. wood and the band of people our website. We have Rickwood, some of the The stated goals for 1993 were trying to save it, now had some great new items, founding members of the ambitious and included: a new credibility, a bit of prestige, which we are excited group, Coke Matthews, Tom grandstand roof, plans to have and perhaps more important- about. Please visit our Cosby, and Bill Cather were historians document the facility ly, much-needed national online shop to browse very gracious in sharing so any major renovations would publicity. This attention at- and order: memories of their exploits, be as accurate as possible, tracted the eyes of Hollywood. trials, and ultimate success- along with the development of a es in preserving Rickwood master plan. Rickwood’s first flirtation with Field from the wrecking ball. Hollywood was a swing and a Unsung heroes, Chris Fuller- The story revealed a few ideas miss. When Penny Marshall’s ton and Dr. Cleveland Ham- to make Rickwood viable. Some assistants scouted for loca- monds were also given long of the thoughts floated in the tions to film “A League of overdue credit for their ef- article became reality and oth- Their Own” they visited Rick- forts in making the organiza- ers never made it to fruition, wood and decided against tion a success. This install- such as holding a pre-Olympic filming because of the park’s ment focuses on some of the exhibition baseball tournament. dilapidated roof. However, the movies filmed at Rickwood. The idea of filming parts of a profile of the ballpark had baseball movie was not men- been raised and it soon gar- Perhaps notice to tioned, however. nered the attention of Ron the public there was a group Shelton, the director of “Bull of people attempting to re- Durham”. Shelton decided to https://rickwood.com/shop/ By February 25, 1993, staff store Rickwood Field was an film the baseball scenes at writer David Knox of The Bir- article by Nancy Bereckis, the park for his movie “Cobb”, mingham News reported that which appeared in the Bir- which starred Tommy Lee Rickwood had been named to mingham Post-Herald on Jones as the title character the National Register of Historic January 19, 1993. There was with Roger Clemens and Jim- Places by the National Park no mention of “The Friends my Buffet as extras. Initially, Service. The inclusion on the of Rickwood”, just the Rick- the grandstand roof remained National Register was an enor- wood Task Force. Terry mous step in Rickwood’s resto- Slaughter, Coke Matthews, ration and Baseball America and Tom Cosby were quoted [Continued on page 2] Page 2 Volume 2, Issue 1

H OLLYWOOD C ALLS ON R ICKWOOD

[Continued from Page 1] Painters bent over backwards to played at Rickwood in the 40’s help bring Rickwood back to life – this is what it looked like! No an impediment to filming. Coke for the movie and the communi- need for set decorations!” Matthews recalled, “The new ty. This included the construc- Once convinced, production roof, louvers, and paint, were tion of a left-centerfield score- ran smoothly. eventually part of what we prom- board. However, the Friends allowed ised Shelton to get the ‘Cobb’ Notably, the early baseball films one significant change to Rick- deal done. He had flown an ad- at Rickwood predate the Bar- wood during the filming of vance crew in on a Friday night, ons’ return to the park. “Cobb” “,” which still and with no notice and they was released in 1994 two years exists. During Rickwood’s hey- asked to see the park. The two before the first Rickwood Clas- day, the press box was on the memories I have are: It was pour- sic. Although many baseball roof of the park. In an effort to ing down rain and gaping, rotted fans did not “discover” Rick- replicate Griffith Stadium in holes in the roof created a hun- wood until the Classics began, Washington, D.C., the produc- dred waterfalls. We couldn’t find the movie projects at the ball- ers added a press box directly a dry place to stand, and back park gave Rickwood a financial under the roof. Tom Cosby then, a pack of dogs still lived at shot in the arm at a critical time recalled, “It would have never Rickwood. So, when we turned in the history of the Friends’ occurred to us to change the on the lights there were 4 or 5 efforts to preserve the park. placement of the press box “We couldn’t find a dry dogs asleep around the pitcher’s from the roof to underneath mound. It really scared the chew- place to stand, and back Shortly after the release of the roof -- it had never been ing tobacco out of all of us as we “Cobb,” a commercial shoot for there before. But we instantly imagined the next day’s head- then, a pack of dogs Baby Ruth candy bars was liked the aesthetics. When we lines. Fortunately, Shelton was filmed at Rickwood. Things were realized that being protected still lived at Rickwood. an old ballplayer himself and he certainly on the upswing for the by the roof would add to its felt and saw the history of the So, when we turned on Friends, which was remarkable longevity and would reduce the place.” after only two years as a fledg- risk of the press box one day the lights there were 4 or ling organization. The publicity Shelton’s vision for the ballpark crashing through the roof, we and hard work by the members 5 dogs asleep around the created the right feel for the ‘permanent-ized’ the movie set culminated in successful fund- baseball scenes. The existing version after filming.” raising efforts. pitcher’s mound.” signs in the outfield were re- The new press box was much placed with period signs includ- “Soul of the Game” was a 1996 larger than the previous one, ing Ajax Tires, The American Boy film produced by HBO and di- which made it more suitable Magazine, and Burma-Shave. rected by Kevin Rodney Sulli- for baseball. In fact, the first The signs were designed by Ted van. The film explored the story Rickwood Classic took place Haigh, who also created signs for of the Negro Leagues shortly before the major leagues inte- just two months after the re- “A League of Their Own” and grated in 1947. The movie fea- lease of “Soul of the Game.” “The Natural.“ tured , Josh Gib- son, and as In May 2012, Hollywood re- The excitement created in the rumors swirled as to who would turned to Rickwood with the local papers and the sudden be the first black major leaguer. filming of the Jackie Robinson- national attention opened doors Many of the baseball scenes in biopic “42”. This movie will be to businesses. This allowed the the movie were filmed at Rick- featured in a future story in Friends to solicit financial help wood in 1995. Rickwood Tales. However, the for needed repairs in order to subject of our next installment make “Cobb” a reality. The According to Matthews, his in- is the Rickwood Classic, which grandstand roof was repaired teractions with the producers of began 25 years ago on June because All South discounted this movie were different. “They 12, 1996. roofing materials, and the Ce- kept wanting to change Rick- lotex Corporation generously wood to make it look - Joe DeLeonard & Jeb Stewart donated general materials. Dan- ‘authentic’. We had a hell of a

iel Iron, Stringfellow Lumber, time convincing them that when [This story will continue in Brasfield & Gorrie, and Vulcan Mays, Paige, Gibson, et. al., our next issue] Rickwood Tales Page 3

“DUSTING ’ EM OFF ” : F ROM T HE D ESK OF T HE E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR

There really is nothing like In our September newsletter, ber. We took down the fenc- maintaining and restoring an we expressed optimism that ing along the infield and had old ballpark. Over the winter, the Rickwood Classic would a workday in early February Rickwood’s field lights started return this summer. With the where we scraped and paint- having trouble. An electrician release of the Barons’ sched- ed the rails. Many thanks came and the problems he ule, we are sad to report that are owed to Ben Powell, identified with transformers there will not be a Classic in Wayne Trammell, Drew and pole-mounted contactors 2021. However, with reports Wojcik, Sophie Cosper, and were too numerous to name. that case counts are dropping Leigh and Kathy LaChine. Suffice it to say, we learned nationwide and the ramping- The new fencing was in- that the entire system will up of vaccine distribution, we stalled in time for the start of need a major overhaul to are hopeful Rickwood will the baseball season. allow night games at the park return to its place on the Bar- in the future. The good news ons’ schedule next year. The is that the lights are working players are sure to enjoy play- Miles College began its schedule on February 16; for now. ing on our new infield, which the Friends replaced in Octo- the Birmingham City Schools started games on February ber! In January, we got some good 23; and Randy Ferguson’s news. The Friends of Rick- game to support research for wood received a proposal Like the Classic, the 2021 blindness was held on Feb- from the American South Southern Association Confer- ruary 27th. There are 18 “With the ballpark still Baseball League, which is a ence would have been sched- games scheduled for March! 12-16 team, professional, uled for March 6, but has closed for major events, winter development baseball been canceled due to COVID- league entering its inaugural 19 protocols and will be re- This will be my last column including the 2021 as Executive Director of the season in October of 2021. scheduled. We will announce Friends of Rickwood. Gerald Rickwood Classic, and the new date for the SAC on our website and Facebook Watkins will be taking over The ASBL is planning to as our interim director. I plan most rental opportunities, page. schedule a 60-game season to stay involved with the and would like Rickwood Field Friends in preserving Ameri- we are counting more than to serve as one of its main The winter is always a slow ca’s Oldest Ballpark. Until we ballparks. Stay tuned for up- time at the park as we get see you at Rickwood, stay ever on the support from dates about this exciting op- ready for next season. The safe! our long-time donors.” portunity. field was winterized in Octo- - Clarence Watkins

B ECOME A FRIEND OF R ICKWOOD

The Friends of Rickwood is a tion; (3) Level 3 is a “Veteran” 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organiza- for a $50 donation (and also tion, which was formed in gets a patch); and (4) Level 4 1992, and is dedicated to is a “Gold Glover” for a $100 preserving America’s Oldest donation (and also gets a Ballpark. Anyone can be- Rickwood shirt). come a Friend of Rickwood by making a donation to the To donate, please visit Friends. https://rickwood.com/donate -to-rickwood-field/ or write us We have four levels of mem- at: bership for individuals and each level will receive a certificate, a window sticker, The Friends of Rickwood and 10% off Rickwood mer- Rickwood Field chandise: (1) Level 1 is a 1137 2nd Ave West “Little Leaguer” for a $10 donation; (2) Level 2 is a Birmingham, AL 35204 “Rookie” for a $25 dona- Page 4 Volume 2, Issue 1

D ID YOU K NOW ?

“These are the two known images of the

original front entrance to Even with the thousands of the ballpark, where fans games played at Rickwood Field, we are still amazed whenever would have passed someone uncovers a photograph we have never seen. The picture through the gates to get on the left comes courtesy of Bob Cargo of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. into games.” On August 18, 1910, Rickwood Field opened to great fanfare as the first ballpark in the south with a concrete and steel grandstand. These are the two known images of the original front entrance to the ballpark, where fans would have passed through the gates to get into games. These pictures predate the construction of the iconic Mission-Style stucco ar- cade in 1928.

Not much is known about the photo on the left, except that the woman wearing white was named Tiny Blake. She was married to Sam Blake and the Blakes were lifelong friends of Bob Cargo’s grandparents. If anyone has more information about this photo or has photos of the ballpark to share, please contact us through our website or using our Face- book page. Thanks! Rickwood Tales Page 5

C OMMUNITY S UPPORT : 202 0 R ECAP C ITY BUDGET SQUEEZE ADDS EMPHASIS TO PRIVATE DONATIONS

The pandemic wreaked havoc with our event and fundraising schedule, wiping out the Rickwood Classic, most of our park rentals, and even the annual Baseball Beer and Bengay gathering. This affected private contributions as well. When the City budget for the park was significantly reduced, donations took on even greater importance. With most of our events cancelled, our friends in the community had only three avenues for supporting our mission of keeping America’s Oldest Baseball Park alive: Making a donation, becoming a Member, and/or purchasing Rickwood merchandise (or all three!). Thanks to our Rickwood faithful, the 2020 total exceeded $20,000.

2020 Donors

$1,000 or more $100 - $499 Roberta Mendonca Doug Friedman Jenny Baker Paul Nagrodski Coke Matthews Matt Bauman Mike Newton Allen Yielding Jeff Burkle Ben Powell David Camp Jeb Stewart Joe DeLeonard $500 - $999 Wayne Trammell “With the ballpark still Bill Cather Randy Ferguson Jeff Underwood Mike Warren Donald Haw Dan Weinrib closed for major events, Woody Webb Mark Hoos A. H. Woodward including the 2021 Eamon Joyce Marie Woodward Laura Mattes Robert Woodward Rickwood Classic, and most rental opportunities, 2020 Members we are counting more than

ever on the support from Adam Trammell Frederick C. Bush Nancy H. Renz Alan Brothers Ian Andrew Kellogg-Clarke Phillip Neuer our long-time donors.” Bill Chapman Jennifer Crump Rick Woodward Billy Sandford, Jr. Jo Broadwater Robert Downing Brad Barnett John Alsobrook Robert J. Rickwood Brian Jackson John Longo Robert Rogers Carter Hawkins John Rundles Roberta Mendonca Charlesy Trammell John Sturges Rockwell Hoffman Christine Fry Josh Reeves Ron Macintosh Dave Chase Josh Rosen Sawyer Trone David Salters Kathy Burelson Stephen David Boutwell David Tew Ken Samuelson Terrell Dunn Don Hines Kent Lupton Tom and Johanna Berres Hunter Fikes Donald Seaman Matt Bauman Victor Sloan Elbert Deon King Matthew Henshon Frank McCray Missy & Matt Burchart

Thank you to all of our supporters! With the ballpark still closed for major events, including the 2021 Rickwood Classic, and most rental opportunities, we are counting more than ever on the support from our long-time donors. Please go to www.rickwood.com to make a gift, become a Member, and/or purchase our logo merchandise today. Thanks again. The Friends of THE RICKWOOD LIBRARY: The Negro Southern League Rickwood The Negro Southern League has long been overshadowed by the Negro American and National Leagues Rickwood Field when historians discuss . This is partly true because the NAL and NNL included 1137 2nd Ave W more northern franchises, which were located in larger cities. This meant they had more reliable news- paper coverage than their southern counterparts. Additionally, for most of its history, the NSL was con- Birmingham, AL 35204 sidered a minor league by sportswriters who often derided NSL members’ failure to provide timely game 205-999-5742 summaries and attendance figures needed for accurate reporting.

However, there was nothing minor about the players who made their living playing for NSL clubs. Five Email: future Hall of Famers got their first taste of professional baseball in the NSL, including Leroy “Satchel” [email protected] Paige (Chattanooga Black Lookouts, 1926-27), (Chattanooga Choo Choos, 1948), George “Mule” Suttles (Birmingham Black Barons, 1922-23), Norman “Turkey” Stearnes (Nashville Giants, 1920-21), and Hilton Smith (Monroe Monarchs, 1932). Other future Hall of Famers, such as Willie Wells and Willie Foster, made appearances in the NSL during their playing days.

In The Negro Southern League: A Baseball History, 1920-1951, Bill Plott tells the colorful and often complicated history of the NSL from its origins until its quiet demise three decades later. He gives three https://www.facebook.com/fri dimensions to players such as Forrest “One-Wing” Maddox, who lost his left arm just below the shoulder endsofrickwood/ in a childhood accident, but became a star pitcher, speedy outfielder, and great hitter for several teams during a decade in the NSL. Another, William H. “Cat” Mays, played for the Black Barons in 1935. Upon seeing the natural talent of his teenage son Willie, Cat regularly drove him to Chattanooga on weekends, where he played outfield and shortstop for the Choo Choos, possibly as early as 1947.

Thanks to his painstaking research, Plott uses available game reports, box scores, and line scores, to piece together the story of each season, including the standings and statistical leaders, as he docu- ments the league’s history in a well-organized, chronological fashion.

Plott also confirmed that the NSL had major league status in 1932 as it was the only Negro League that was able to successfully operate the entire year. That season, in particular, had more confusion than any other given the number of members and associate members of the NSL, as well as several inde- pendent teams who barnstormed with NSL clubs. Plott cuts through the confusion by cross-referencing a wide-variety of newspaper reports to provide an accurate account of the entire campaign.

Throughout most of its existence, the NSL followed a familiar path. The owners would meet in the winter

to determine the clubs in the league and prepare a first-half schedule. Each season would begin with much fanfare in the spring, and a first-half champion would typically be crowned by early summer. In the second half, however, the league’s stability would often devolve, as some clubs would disband, while others would be added, and most began to favor barnstorming contests rather than scheduling league games. Deciding a champion would often take a back seat to the scheduling of an all-star game after the season. However, the top NSL teams would sometimes meet in a playoff series to settle the title. More often, the champions would be announced in the pages of newspapers, which inevitably caused some disputes, but Plott was able to determine the league champion for most NSL seasons. His appen- dices are particularly useful in providing information such as rosters, no-hit games, playoff results, and a list of title winners.

The NSL came to an end largely because organized baseball integrated in 1947. African-American news- papers understandably shifted their focus to black players in the big leagues. Sportswriters and fans seemed to forget about leagues like the Negro Southern League. Fortunately, Bill Plott has immortalized the league for all of us. Negro Southern League is a great read. - Jeb Stewart