Historic Rickwood Field to Host Minor League Game in 2026

Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons will play at the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Minor League Baseball is returning to Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States, in 2026. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins) will take on the hometown Birmingham Barons (Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) in a Southern League matchup on May 27. As a tribute to Rickwood Field's history in Black baseball, the Blue Wahoos will wear the jerseys of the Pensacola Seagulls, a former Negro Southern League team.

Why it matters

Rickwood Field has a storied history in professional baseball, serving as the home of the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons, who hosted Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, and Willie Wells. This game will celebrate that legacy and connect the past to the future stars of the sport.

The details

The modern-day Double-A Barons previously played an annual 'Rickwood Classic' game at the historic ballpark from 1996 to 2016 and 2018 to 2019. This will be the first time the Pensacola Blue Wahoos franchise has played at Rickwood Field. The venue underwent renovations in 2024 to prepare for MLB and MiLB games, and in 2025 hosted a game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Barons, as well as MLB's East-West Classic.

  • The Rickwood Field game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
  • Rickwood Field last hosted a Minor League game in 2019 as part of the Barons' annual Rickwood Classic series.

The players

Rickwood Field

The oldest professional ballpark in the United States, Rickwood Field opened in 1910 and has hosted the Birmingham Barons and Birmingham Black Barons over its history.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos

The Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, the Blue Wahoos will be playing their first game at Rickwood Field in 2026.

Birmingham Barons

The Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, the Barons have a long history of playing at Rickwood Field, hosting an annual 'Rickwood Classic' game there from 1996 to 2016 and 2018 to 2019.

Pensacola Seagulls

A former Negro Southern League team that served as a feeder club to the Birmingham Black Barons during the era of segregation in baseball.

Willie Mays

Hall of Famer who made his professional debut with the Birmingham Black Barons at Rickwood Field in 1948 at the age of 17, before being signed by the New York Giants.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't be more excited to join the Barons at Rickwood Field in 2026. The Blue Wahoos have always celebrated our community's rich baseball history. From Minor League teams of the past ... to the proud tradition of military baseball, to the enduring legacy of the Pensacola Seagulls, we are indebted to those who have come before us. Connecting this past to the future stars of tomorrow at The Rickwood Game will be an unforgettable experience.”

— Jonathan Griffith, President, Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Press Release)

What’s next

The Rickwood Field game between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Birmingham Barons is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This game at historic Rickwood Field will celebrate the rich baseball heritage of the Birmingham area, from the Birmingham Barons and Birmingham Black Barons to the legacy of the Pensacola Seagulls and the professional debut of Hall of Famer Willie Mays. It's an opportunity to connect the past and future of the sport in a unique setting.