Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to honor Juneteenth with the East-West Classic at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham. This marks the third consecutive year MLB has organized this event, reviving the spirit of the Negro Leagues All-Star Games held from 1933 to 1962.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, June 19
- Time: Home Run Derby starts at noon
- Location: Rickwood Field, Birmingham, Alabama
- Admission Price: $12, available at mlb.com/rickwood
Star-Studded Rosters
This year’s event features prominent captains: CC Sabathia from the West and Chris Young from the East, both celebrated figures in baseball. Sabathia is a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, while Young is a former All-Star and MLB Network analyst.
Notable Players
In addition to the captains, several former All-Stars and World Series champions are expected to participate. This includes:
- Mike Cameron
- Jose Contreras
- Prince Fielder
- Dexter Fowler
- Jeremy Guthrie
- Matt Kemp
- Justin Upton
Community and Celebration
Chris Young expressed enthusiasm about returning to Birmingham for the event, stating, “The East-West Classic shows that baseball is all about fun, community, and bringing people together.”
Additional Activities
Prior to the East-West Classic, MLB will host a special Juneteenth PLAY BALL event at the newly refurbished Willie Mays Park in nearby Fairfield. This will further emphasize the significance of community engagement during this historic celebration.
