Rickwood: How America's Oldest Ballpark Forged Baseball's Legends - Paperback

by Tim Whitt (Author), Joe Mock (Author)

An immersive tribute to America's oldest ballpark and the cradle of countless diamond dreams and dramatic showdowns.

Through evocative storytelling and vibrant historical detail, Tim Whitt and Joe Mock weave together tales of sportsmanship, rivalry, and community.

Experience the romance between city of Birmingham and its ballpark as Rickwood rises to national fame, hosting Hall of Famers, Negro League greats, and generations of hopeful fans. Follow the stirring journey of Rick Woodward--the visionary owner who defied industrial conventions to build a field of legends--and the colorful cast of players, broadcasters, and everyday fans whose lives intertwined with Rickwood's storied turf.

Rickwood captures more than just the thrill of a pitch or the drama of a pennant race; it's a deeply personal chronicle of fathers and sons, community pride, and the cultural tides that shaped the South and the sport. With stunning stories of icons like Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Dizzy Dean, and Reggie Jackson, the manuscript brings the past alive, offering readers the sights, sounds, and soul of America's oldest ballpark.

Relive the stories of those who played on this historic diamond--Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Dizzy Dean, Reggie Jackson, and more. Discover the unforgettable moments, from the roaring grandstands, thrilling victories, and heartbreaks, to the resilience that saved the ballpark for future generations.

Rediscover Rickwood Field--a place where legends are made, memories endure, and baseball becomes forever.

Author Biography

TIM WHITT is the author of Bases Loaded With History which told the story of Rickwood Field through the twentieth century. He first discovered Rickwood as a graduate student in Birmingham in the 1980s, and his interest in the history of the old Southern Association was further piqued working on a documentary about the league in the 1990s. For the last quarter of a century, he has been under contract to Michelle and has no intention of becoming a free agent. An Alabama native, he lives in Montgomery.

Name a ballpark, and JOE MOCK has likely visited and scrutinized it, generating content for his BaseballParks.com site. In his role as sports-facilities beat writer for USA TODAY, he's written over 125 articles, including on-site reporting on MLB's three-day event at Rickwood Field in 2024. He's attended games at every MLB, spring training and affiliated Minor League venue, making him a ballpark afficionado of the highest order. He lives with his wife and dog in a suburb of Austin.