Rickwood Field Park, Birmingham, AL

Rickwood Field Park in Birmingham, Alabama is listed as the oldest baseball park in America. The facility opened in 1911 when local businesses sponsored a local team. Blach's Department Store was most instrumental in getting the baseball field erected. At first there were just wooden outfield fences and wooden seats. The scoreboard was just as primitive in its design with chalk letters to show the score and innings. The board was 500 feet from home plate. The ball field is still being used, even in 2000. It has seen some updates since the original creation, with a brick green building, new scoreboard, and seating. In 2002 there was a 2002 Rickwood Classic bringing back a former Birmingham and Oakland A's pitcher. Vida Blue threw the opening pitch for the game, though he played in 1969.

Rickwood Field Park offers souvenirs for visitors or those who take a trip online. There are a number of tee shirts looking back at the history of baseball and the various teams that used to exist. Books, caps, posters, and gifts are all sold in the gift store for anyone wishing to remember the history of the sport and current happenings.

The facility is open for events only. This means whenever there is an event visitors to the state are able to go see a game, watch a camp, or just enjoy the old facilities. For example the Ron Papa Jack Baseball Camp is held in February daily from 3 to 5pm. There are other camps throughout the year that occur at this same time. Children can learn how to play or just come to watch other players. Miles College and Morehouse College offer a game from 12pm to 2:30pm in February as do other teams. Each year the events will vary somewhat regarding the various camps and teams that are using the facilities to play a game. All games at the facility are typically on the college level, unless it is a special game to remember the history of baseball.

There is also the 7th Annual Southern Association Conference, in 2010. This conference is held each year from 9am to 3pm one day out of the year. Since the baseball season is typically a spring to end of summer sport, one can attend games at these times. The baseball camps are held just before the season really begins to give others a chance to try out and learn.

To gain access to the field one must go to 1137 Second Avenue West in Birmingham. The interstate will take visitors to the right street at the Arkadelphia exit. Tickets are available at the facility or through the college. Since the teams and the park are such a hit one should consider buying tickets in advance for a game. Only those with a ticket will be let into the stadium for a tour and the fun. The price of tickets can be found through the colleges or by calling the park directly.