FROM THE RICKWOOD ARCHIVES

December 2020

Several years ago, the Friends of Rickwood purchased over 2,000 vintage baseball photographs from The Birmingham News. The pictures are truly remarkable, and many have not been seen in decades. The Friends are excited to begin unveiling many of the photographs in the newsletter as well as on our webite and social media pages.

In the photo above, baseball fans will no doubt recognize Phil Rizzuto (L) and a bemused Yogi Berra (R). The duo starred for the New York Yankees during an incredible five straight world championships, a streak which began in 1949. This photo was taken during breakfast at the Tutwiler Hotel as the Yankees were in town to face the Barons in a exhibition game at Rickwood Field on April 6, 1953.

With Manager Casey Stengel 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 Brooklyn 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 Championship round.