U.S. Senator Katie Britt Celebrates Major League Baseball’s Return to Rickwood Field for East-West Classic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today celebrated the East-West Classic Major League Baseball (MLB) game featuring retired MLB stars played at Birmingham’s historic Rickwood Field.
“I can think of no better place than America’s oldest ballpark for the East-West Classic to be played. Rickwood Field has been home to legends and inspired legends—every game played here serves as a powerful tribute to the men who played in the Negro Leagues and didn’t get the recognition they deserved in their own day. As we honor those who have transformed what America’s pastime looks like today, we also applaud those who walk in their footsteps and continue to forge the next chapter of our nation’s story. I couldn’t be prouder today to celebrate this historic event for our state,” said Senator Britt.
Senator Britt attends MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues on June 20, 2024.
Last year, Senator Britt attended the first ever regular season MLB game held at Rickwood Field, which was a tribute to the Negro Leagues and Willie Mays’ legacy. All living Negro League players were invited to the game in which the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants.
In the 118th Congress, Senator Britt led Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in introducing a resolution in honor of Willie Mays’ life and enduring legacy. Mays, a native of Westfield, Alabama, is the only player in MLB history with more than 300 home runs, 300 stolen bases, 3,000 career hits, and a career batting average greater than .300.
“Willie Mays was a true giant – simply put, he was the greatest of all-time. When he was on the field, he showcased more than incredible talent and skill—he brought a joyful exuberance to the game. Millions of Americans grew up looking up to this legendary Alabama native, dreaming of one day being like him. In reality, there will only ever be one Willie Mays. It is only fitting that the U.S. Senate honors his enduring legacy and legendary contributions to America’s Pastime,” the Senator stated after the resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
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