Former Negro League stars gathered at Rickwood Field to honor the Black legends of the game, including Reggie Jackson, who shared his personal experience with racism at the historic field. Jackson, who played for the Birmingham Black Barons, a minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Athletics, recounted the challenges he faced due to racism in the area, even after segregation had officially ended.
During an interview with the MLB on FOX team, Jackson opened up about the discrimination he endured, recalling instances where he was denied entry to restaurants and hotels because of his race. He also shared a story about being singled out at a country club event with the use of a racial slur. Despite the hardships he faced, Jackson expressed gratitude towards teammates who supported him during tough times, including Rollie Fingers, Johnny McNamara, Dave Duncan, and others.
Despite facing racism, Jackson went on to have a successful baseball career, hitting 563 home runs and earning the nickname “Mr. October” for his standout performance in the 1977 World Series. His accomplishments on the field solidified his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The event at Rickwood Field also paid tribute to the late Willie Mays, an original Black Baron, who passed away at the age of 93. Mays’ son, Michael, addressed the crowd before the game, requesting them to make noise in honor of his father. The game was broadcast on FOX for fans to watch and enjoy.
The gathering at Rickwood Field served as a reminder of the challenges faced by Black athletes in the past and the importance of acknowledging their contributions to the game of baseball. It highlighted the resilience and perseverance of players like Reggie Jackson who overcame adversity to achieve greatness on the field. As we celebrate the history of Black baseball legends, we must also reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to create a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for all athletes.