Month: June 2016

This day in baseball: “Casey At the Bat” is published

June 3, 2016

I’ve done a handful of posts about the poem “Casey At the Bat” by Ernest L. Thayer.  The poem first appeared in the San Francisco Examiner  on June 3, 1888, originally published under the pen name “Phin” because Thayer felt embarrassed to have written what he considered “bad verse.”  When others came forward to claim the work as their own, however, Thayer revealed himself as the true author.

To celebrate the anniversary of this classic poem, here’s a recording of James Earl Jones reciting the piece.  (And, yes, it’s pretty awesome.)

The Rickwood Classic

June 1, 2016

If you happen to be in Birmingham, Alabama today, here’s a cool way to spend your afternoon.

Rickwood Field, which turns 106 years old this season, is currently America’s oldest professional baseball stadium. After the Barons, now a Chicago White Sox AA affiliate, moved out of the stadium in 1987, it seemed the park was on the verge of being torn down.  However, in 1991, a group of young professionals joined forces to restore the ballpark, and then opened it to the public.

And today, the 21st annual Rickwood Classic will be played between the Birmingham Barons and the Chattanooga Lookouts.  The event will honor Rickwood Field Hall of Fame alumni, including Rollie Fingers, who pitched for the Birmingham A’s in 1967 and 1968.  The first pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

You can find more information about the story behind the field here: Birmingham Hosts a Baseball Game for the Ages, or on the Barons’ website.

Tickets for today’s game are also available on the Barons’ website.

Rickwood Opening Day
Huffington Post