The Newsletter of America’s Oldest Ballpark Volume 1, Issue 5

December 4, 2020 R ICKWOOD T ALES

Rickwood Calendar T HE WICKED COVID CURVEBALL 1/12/4/20 to 3/4/21: Rickwood Field has been closed events – while at the same for a late inning rally. So, please go to bat for Rickwood • for most of 2020, essentially time, the expenses of operating Feb. 16: West Alabama v. Miles Field by making a one-time (2:00 PM) sidelining our ability to raise our historic treasure are drain- important funds needed to ing our dwindling reserves. tax-deductible gift at https:// rickwood.com/donate-to- • Feb. 20: Morehouse v. Miles maintain and refurbish Ameri- (DH) (1:00 PM) ca’s Oldest Park. We rickwood-field/ In baseball talk, COVID 19 is a had no choice but to cancel the wicked curveball. But with apol- • Feb. 24: UAH v. Miles (3:00 Rickwood Classic, our clinics, ogies to the pitchers out there, THANK YOU! PM) our tournaments, college we need our batters to step up games, and all of our corporate • High School Baseball games at Rickwood (see Rickwood.com for dates / times) W HO A RE T HE F RIENDS OF R ICKWOOD ? • Please like our Facebook Page for updates about the P ART 2 : U NSUNG H EROES W HO H ELPED S AVE ballpark, including the public reopening at: https:// A MERICA ’ S OLDEST BALLPARK www.facebook.com/ friendsofrickwood.com In our last edition, the origins of old, decaying, roofless, team- enhancements were sort of The Friends of Rickwood Field less baseball park on Birming- piecemeal and haphazard with Get Your Rickwood Gear! introduced some of the found- ham’s westside was worth any little regard to architectural or ing members of the organiza- • trouble at all was beyond far- aesthetic tastes. While the field Caps, t-shirts, posters, books, tion, along with early recollec- and other Rickwood mer- tions of how it was formed. This fetched. It was stupid. That we was still being used by the city chandise are available for are talking about this 30 plus schools for baseball, as well as purchase on our website. We installment continues with how have some great new items, the park was saved from further years later suggests at some football, Cosby believed Rick- which we are excited about. decay and even possible de- level that we did indeed take on wood’s grandstand was close to Please visit our online shop to struction. Along the way, some and succeed in convincing ‘the being razed. “It could have been browse and order: of the unsung heroes will be public’ that Rickwood was knocked down in 1992 and I introduced. These people worth saving.” https://rickwood.com/shop/ played key roles in the improve- don’t think there would’ve been ment of the park. much of an outcry.” According to Cosby, Rickwood

was worthy of preservation for a Matthews was realistic about Tom Cosby and Coke Matthews couple of reasons. “It was the the restoration project. “For both explained one of the first oldest ballpark in America – those who envisioned a multi- key tasks, which needed to be and we couldn’t let another million-dollar renovation, with done by the embryonic organiza- (Birmingham) Terminal Station massive tourism, Ferris wheels, tion. “I think forming the fund- happen ever again. I think the and a return of the Birmingham raising committee that was public concluded after the Cobb Barons, we have not succeeded. chaired by Chris Womack of movie was filmed there and We realized early on that though Alabama Power was key and they could see — with movie our appetite was strong, we were involved influential people like sets and all — how beautiful a really just a bunch of old guys, Miller Gorrie. I have one of the properly restored vintage base- ‘ate up’ with nostalgia and base- original campaign brochures ball park could be and what ball. And in the minority.” somewhere,” Cosby reminisced. that would mean to civic pride.” “It wasn’t that successful, but it He added, “I do not believe we made a mark in corporate Bir- By this time, there had been ever thought we wouldn’t suc- mingham.” Mathews added a some improvements to Rick- ceed, once we got our expecta- cautionary note that “the idea wood by the Birmingham Park tions matched with reality.” that somehow a then 80-year and Recreation Board, but the [Continued on page 2] Page 2 Volume 1, Issue 5

T HE F RIENDS ’ U NSUNG H EROES

[Continued from Page 1] ballpark that few others could up to the [first] Classic, see. [sometimes] sleeping in his car at Rickwood or wherever Although Rickwood escaped the someone would take him in.” wrecking ball in the early 1990s, Roughly a year or so before the and the Rickwood Classic was a first Rickwood Classic, the old tipping point in creating a new press box on Dr. Hammonds’ There was no denying the generation of fans, both Cosby roof needed to be removed. incredible dedication Fullerton and Matthews are quick to point Constructing a completely new felt toward the restoration of out that efforts to preserve the press box proved impracticable the old ballpark. However, ballpark will never end. “Of for the Friends. However, Rick- there was a tragic unforeseen course, it is never ‘saved,’ it will wood’s first executive director, event that would cut short always continue to be a battle Chris Fullerton, came up with a Fullerton’s time with The against deterioration and gravi- great solution. He advocated Friends. Matthews explained, ty,” Cosby emphasized. Mat- constructing a gazebo press “After the stunning success of thews added, “Not saved, just box, similar to the one on Rick- the Classic, we felt we had not destroyed. Still useful.” wood’s roof when the park enough money to at least give opened in 1910. Today, Fuller- him a small contract. Howev- er, he was killed in a car acci- There was luck involved in pre- ton’s gazebo still adorns the dent running ‘one last errand’ serving Rickwood. Legendary GM roof of the mother church of right before the second Rick- Branch Rickey was fond of saying baseball. wood Classic in 1997. It is still “Luck is the residue of design.” one of the saddest moments The luck was the timing of Comis- Fullerton was another early any of us have ever experi- key Park’s razing, which made unsung hero of Rickwood. His enced.” Rickwood the oldest professional name is sometimes overlooked “Chris Fullerton ballpark. The design was accom- in the history of The Friends plished by several men who the because his time associated Fullerton’s master’s thesis, ‘inspired all who knew had vision to form The Friends of with the organization was rela- which he authored at the Uni- Rickwood. Then, they added an tively short. However, the quality versity of Mississippi, eventu- additional step—action by some of that time was an exemplary ally became one of the early him with his passion for unsung heroes. example of production, accom- books on the ballpark and its life, for music, baseball, plishment, and a can-do spirit of importance in the Negro Leagues. Every Other Sunday: Certainly, the Friends had a lot of optimism to work through all The Story of the Birmingham and Rickwood, his own help in the early days as a fledg- kinds of adversity. Black Barons was completed ling organization. There was one and published after his death. field of dreams.’” person, who had a clear vision Perhaps the best person to de- for what the ballpark could be. scribe Fullerton’s importance to Dr. Cleveland Hammonds, Jr., the early days of The Friends of The gazebo press box, which former Superintendent of Bir- Rickwood and the park is Coke sits on the roof as a result of mingham Schools was instru- Matthews. “Not too long before his suggestion, will always mental in getting an appropria- the first Rickwood Classic in honor his memory. The tion to replace the roof on the 1996, Chris called Slaughter Friends gathered on the roof ballpark. “He was a fearless Hanson and offered to volun- during a driving rainstorm friend of Rickwood before it was teer, to do anything, everything. when the bas-relief of Fuller- so fashionable to love Rick- He called and called. He drove ton was dedicated and sang wood,” remembered Matthews. over from Mississippi and “Take Me Out to the Ball He even proposed city high begged,” Matthews recalled. Game.” The inscription on the school teams adopt the names plaque in the gazebo states,

of Negro League clubs and wear Chris Fullerton “inspired all throwback uniforms during Recounting Fullerton’s unbri- who knew him with his pas- games. dled enthusiasm for Rickwood sion for life, for music, base- and his desire to be part of the ball, and Rickwood, his own revitalization effort, Matthews field of dreams.” Dr. Hammonds left Birmingham continued, “he had just finished in 1994 and eventually became his master’s thesis on the Bir- a professor at Southern Illinois mingham Black Barons. He was [This story will continue in University Edwardsville. He died all-in. Of course, he had no mon- our next issue] in September 2010. We all owe a ey, no place to live, [and] no debt of gratitude to Dr. Ham- sense whatsoever, but we loved monds, who had the foresight him from day one. He volun- - Joe DeLeonard & Jeb Stewart and an understanding of the old teered 24/7 for months leading Rickwood Tales Page 3

F ROM THE R ICKWOOD A RCHIVES

“The Friends are excited to begin unveiling many of the photographs in Photo Credit: The Birmingham News, 1953. the newsletter as well as Several years ago, the many of the photographs in the York Yankees during an Friends of Rickwood pur- newsletter as well as on our web- incredible five straight world on our website and social chased over 2,000 vintage site and social media pages. championships, a streak baseball photographs from which began in 1949. This media pages.” The Birmingham News. The In the photo above, baseball fans photo was taken during pictures are truly remarkable, will no doubt recognize Phil Riz- breakfast at the Tutwiler and many have not been zuto (L) and a bemused Yogi Berra Hotel as the Yankees were seen in decades. The Friends (R). The duo starred for the New in town to face the Barons are excited to begin unveiling in a exhibition game at Rick- wood Field on April 6, 1953.

With Manager Casey Sten- gel looking on, the Bronx Bombers won the game over their Double-A affiliate, 6-2. The Yankees would go on to win the World Series in six games over the Brook- lyn Dodgers.

The Barons finished in fourth place in the Southern Association with a 78-76 record. After defeating the pennant winning Memphis Chicks in the playoffs, the Barons lost to the Nashville Vols in five games in the SA Photo Credit: The Birmingham News, 1953. Championship round. Page 4 Volume 1, Issue 5

“On May 21, 1948 Rickwood’s infield was replaced in October and will be ready for baseball season in 2021. Walt Dropo of the Barons blasted a home DID YOU KNOW ? run that traveled 467 feet...”

On May 21, 1948 Walt Dropo of the Barons blasted a home run that traveled 467 feet, which helped defeat the Mobile Bears 3-1, and struck the original outfield wall of the ballpark. The spot was marked by an X shortly thereafter and a plaque stands there today. Rickwood Tales Page 5

“DUSTING ’ EM OFF ” : F ROM T HE D ESK OF T HE E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR Rickwood Field is not only the Rickwood has been closed our March newsletter. Howev- oldest professional baseball since March, but restoration er, Rickwood has already park in the United States, it is efforts have continued. The played an important role in one of the few parks, which replacement of the confer- honoring Negro League history was around for both the Span- ence room roof was complet- in 2020. ish Flu Pandemic of 1918 and ed over the summer, and we the Coronavirus Pandemic of have received estimates to 2020. With news of vaccines replace grandstand louvers In early October, a film crew came to the ballpark to shoot on the horizon, we remain and outfield billboards. footage for use in a series hopeful that the Rickwood Classic will go forward in the about the Negro Leagues, In October, we replaced the which was shown during MLB spring. entire infield. This involved playoff games aired on TBS hiring a company to lower the and TNT. As it got close to Speaking of history, did you field to a normal level and darkness, the cameraman know Rickwood played a role in then replacing the grass, flew his drone into a cable out the Women’s Suffrage move- pitcher’s mound, and home in center field knocking the ment? On the fifth anniversary plate. The Friends are happy camera off the drone. Later of the park’s opening on Au- to report the work has been when we turned on the field gust 18, 1915, the Barons completed and the playing lights for the night shots, the honored the movement with field will be in fine shape for transformer over third base “Suffrage Day”. Women from baseball next season. We are blew. Such are the challenges Birmingham and Bessemer looking forward to the 24th of an old ballpark! played an exhibition game Rickwood Classic. before the Barons faced Chat- “On the fifth tanooga. Owner Rick Wood- Nevertheless, the four-part ward and Barons Manager Last year, the Barons and the series, which is entitled “Field anniversary of the Carlton Molesworth wore equal Friends had planned to honor of Dreams ... Deferred” was a suffrage banners in support of the 100th anniversary of the success and included some park’s opening on women’s voting rights. Report- founding of the Negro tremendous footage of our er Edith Sparrow covered both Leagues. We expect this will ballpark. The entire series can August 18, 1915, the games for The Birmingham take place in 2021. In addi- be watched by visiting: tion, SABR’s prestigious Jerry News. https://tinyurl.com/y2vaskve Barons honored the Malloy Negro League Confer- ence is scheduled for July 29- movement with ‘Suffrage In November, Rickwood was 31, 2021 at the Sheraton Until next time, please stay selected to receive a historical Hotel in downtown Birming- safe until we can see you at Day’.” marker honoring the ballpark’s ham. For more information, the ballpark! Happy Holidays role in Women’s Suffrage. visit https://sabr.org/malloy. from the Friends of Rickwood! Hopefully we’ll have more infor- We will have additional up- - Clarence Watkins mation in our next newsletter. dates on the conference in B ECOME A FRIEND OF R ICKWOOD The Friends of Rickwood is a $25 donation; (3) Level 3 is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organiza- “Veteran” for a $50 donation tion, which was formed in (and also gets a patch); and 1992, and is dedicated to (4) Level 4 is a “Gold Glover” preserving America’s Oldest for a $100 donation (and also Ballpark. Anyone can become gets a Rickwood shirt). a Friend of Rickwood. Thanks to all our members! To join, please visit https:// rickwood.com/membership/ We have four levels of mem- or write us at: bership for individuals and each level will receive a certif- icate, a window sticker, and The Friends of Rickwood 10% off Rickwood merchan- Rickwood Field dise: (1) Level 1 is a “Little 1137 2nd Ave West Leaguer” for a $10 donation; (2) Level 2 is a “Rookie” for a Birmingham, AL 35204 The Friends of THE RICKWOOD LIBRARY: Fame and Fortune in The Show Rickwood Great books often inspire sequels. For whatever reason, it is exceedingly rare for any sequel to live up Rickwood Field to the billing of the original. However, Art Black’s Fame and Fortune in The Show: Baseball at Rick- 1137 2nd Ave W wood Field and Beyond in the Middle 1900s is the perfect follow up to Showdown at Rickwood: Ray Caldwell, , and the Early Years of America’s Oldest Ball Park. Birmingham, AL 35204 205-999-5742 Once again, Black transports the reader to Birmingham’s past, this time in the mid-1930s. He expert- ly weaves the story of the city, the nation, and the world, against the backdrop of baseball at Rick- wood Field. Walter, a character who we met as a boy in Showdown, is now a newspaper reporter, who Email: Black assigns the job of documenting all the details. Birmingham and the nation slowly move out of [email protected] the Great Depression and begin rapidly hurtling toward the Second World War. After so much glory in the late 1920s through 1931, the Barons became a second-division club in the Southern Association for the rest of the decade. Owner A.H. “Rick” Woodward installed lights at Rickwood Field in 1936, which served as a reprieve in terms of his enjoyment of the game; however, he finally sold the club to the Cincinnati Reds in 1938.

By the mid-1940s, restauranteur Gus Jebeles purchased the Barons. Before the 1947 season, https://www.facebook.com/fri Jebeles made the most important decision in his tenure as owner. He hired Eddie Glennon to serve endsofrickwood/ as the Barons general manager. Glennon had grown up in and his father was good friends with Athletics’ owner . Glennon was the A’s batboy in 1909 and became Mack’s protege. Mack had helped Rick Woodward design Rickwood Field in 1910, and now Glennon created the blueprint for the franchise’s success. As the Barons GM, Glennon proved to be the energetic an- swer to the team’s problems and his story becomes the central narrative of Fame and Fortune. Glen- non brought radio broadcasts of the games back to Birmingham’s airwaves, renovated the ballpark, and his team set an attendance record at Rickwood in 1948 as an incredible 445,926 fans attended games. The indefatigable Glennon served as GM for 15 years, twice being named minor league exec- utive of the year, as the Barons won Southern Association pennants in 1958 and 1959, SA playoff titles in 1948, 1951, and 1958, and Dixie Series championships in 1948, 1951, and 1958.

Black tells the story of Glennon’s years as GM of the Barons through the players’ eyes as he crafts thorough biographies of power hitters Walt Dropo, Gus Triandos, and Norm Zauchin, colorful journey- man hurler Bobo Newsom, the troubled Jimmy Piersall, and popular Joe Grzenda. The big-hearted Glennon finally left Birmingham after the Southern Association collapsed in 1961. Rickwood sat emp- ty for two years. However, the Barons were soon reborn as a new member of the integrated Southern

League in 1964, and Black retells the exciting pennant race that season at the end of the book. For his part, Eddie Glennon worked as a sales manager for the before dying suddenly in 1968 at the age of 67.

Black also recalls the glory of the Birmingham Black Barons, who dominated the Negro American League during the 1940s winning pennants in 1943, 1944, and 1948. Unfortunately, the Black Bar- ons lost to the Homestead Grays in the Negro League World Series in each of those seasons. Howev- er, Black’s tireless research uncovers interesting new information about Piper Davis, Artie Wilson, and Willie Mays, as well as legendary Satchel Paige, who played for the Black Barons in the late 1920s.

Fame and Fortune is a triple play. The book is wonderfully researched, well-written, and Black is an excellent storyteller. Hopefully, Black is planning to make the series into a trilogy. - Jeb Stewart