In sports, we must always celebrate the predecessors who came before us and paved the way. Baseball has existed longer than any of the four major sports (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB), beginning in 1876 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Last year, they celebrated their first East-West Classic. This year, it’s coming back.
East-West Classic Has The Drop On Black Baseball Culture Memorial Weekend In Cooperstown
Recently, the MLB announced that it will host its second annual East-West Classic at Rickwood Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The first pitch is scheduled for Juneteenth- a tribute to the Negro League’s All-Star Game on June 19th at 1:05 p.m. CT. The MLB Network will host live festivities and host an all-access program of the event on Sunday, June 29, at 1 p.m.
MLBbro Legends Come To Rickwood Field
All that being said, there will be some legends in the field. Former World Series Champion and Cy Young pitcher, who was a part of the 2009 New York Yankees [CC Sabathia], returns after participating in the event last year. The West roster will also feature a former three-time Silver Slugger first baseman, Prince Fielder, and a former four-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder and 2013 Silver Slugger, Adam Jones, as headliners for the West.
The East roster is bolstered by the 2008 World Series champion and former 2006 NL MVP first baseman Ryan Howard, who played a big part in the East’s 5-4 victory in the fifth inning that sealed the victory in the inaugural event last year.
Howard won’t be the lone former superstar on the mound as he joins a loaded East squad that features former 2005 Silver Slugger and bro bomb leader Andruw Jones, along with former two-time World Series champion and 2007 NL Cy Young winner Jake Peavy.
These 30 players, with a combined experience of over 35,900 games over 390 MLB seasons, have an impressive track record. They have won 10 World Series, an MVP Award (Howard, 2006), two Cy Young Awards (Sabathia, 2007; Peavy, 2007), 18 Silver Sluggers, and 23 Gold Gloves. Together, they account for 68 All-Star appearances, making this a truly star-studded event.
A staggering amount of history.
But the East-West Classic is not just about the game. It’s also about giving back to the community. MLB Together will partner with key community figures on the day of the exhibition game to unveil a refurbished baseball and softball field at Willie Mays Park at the Hall of Famer’s hometown in Fairfield. The field was degenerate over the years and had become unserviceable. However, thanks to the help of the Winter Meetings charity auction last winter, the league raised funds to rehabilitate it. This is a testament to the power of community and the impact of sports on our neighborhoods.
The festivities will kick off with a home run derby at noon CT, with Jones looking to defend his crown. The Negro League’s East-West game has a rich history that dates back to 1933 when it was first played at Chicago Comiskey’s Park. This tradition continued annually until 1962, with Hall of Famers such as Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Buck Cooper gracing the field. This year, we continue this esteemed tradition.
The Classic honors the profound history of our fellow MLBbros who paved the way for future generations.
Let’s keep the tradition going.
