Visiting the OLDEST ballpark in America! MLB at Rickwood Field!

This place was built in 1910 (!!) and my visit was pure magic. It was also my 64th MLB stadium as the St. Louis Cardinals faced the San Francisco Giants in an official regular-season game.
There's SOOOOO much incredible baseball history here in Birmingham, Alabama -- Minor League Baseball, the Negro Leagues, and countless legends including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Frank Thomas, and course Willie Mays.
Mays was born in Alabama and made his professional debut at Rickwood Field in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons. Unfortunately he died just two days before this MLB game was played, so the entire event became a massive tribute to him and a celebration of his life -- along with celebrating the legacy of Negro League Baseball as well.
There was truly NO WAY that I was gonna miss this, and I'm thrilled to be able to share my experience here on KZbin with everyone. (Fun fact: I edited this video myself. I do that sometimes.)
As promised, here's the video from 2017 about my Topps Baseball Cards:
• Signing my own basebal...
Also, check out my merch:
www.zackhample...
And in case this interests you, here's a list of every MLB stadium that I've attended (along with the number of games I've seen there and the number of the baseballs that I've caught):
www.zackhample...
This game at Rickwood Field was played on June 20, 2024 -- the 34th anniversary of the first ball I ever snagged at an MLB game. (Shoutout to Shea Stadium, which sucked but I still miss it.) The video was filmed by Rachel Messbauer -- more than 600 clips totaling 35 gigs of footage! Anyone wanna guess how many hours it took to edit this?
By the way, I posted this video out of order because this was too special to wait. I still have older (but not THAT old) videos coming from Tampa, Boston, and Baltimore, so get ready for all of that.
Thanks for watching.
Please subscribe.
Goodbye for now.

[@Rustyshackelford23]

More behind the scenes access to this game from Zack than MLB. Thanks for this, Zack!

[@collinf4228]

Ryan Klesko was a very good player in his day! Pretty cool that he’s introducing himself to you even though he needs no introduction. You’ve really come so far, Zack!

[@zackhample]

Thanks. He approached me unexpectedly and I didn't even have a chance to realize who I was talking to until he said his name, so that was a nice surprise.

[@RWMyHappyThoughts]

I met Ryan Klesko at a Macon Bacon game. He was managing them a couple of seasons ago. He was very nice and signed some SF Giants cards for me.

[@billnye6311]

That klesko moment was awesome

[@zackhample]

Thanks. I loved that. Such a nice guy and his son is a beast!

[@Dulcimerist]

22:32 - The field with the moon in the sky is my favorite shot of the video. Your videographer does such an amazing job! Please relay my compliments and appreciation! It really feels like I'm right there in each stadium that you visit, due to the excellent video work.

[@zackhample]

Thanks! Really glad to hear that and I'm gonna pass along your comment to her right now.

[@alanchadwick6843]

RIP Willie Mays

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Rachel deserves some sort of videography award. So many friends at this game. Thanks for the great night.

[@zackhample]

She really does. Great sharing this experience with you.

[@brucereynolds2047]

totally agree on the award going to Rachel-maybe her best work yet-her shots really enhanced the experience from so many different angles on a very special night!

[@SilverNightKyle]

Reggie Jackson’s telling of his history when he was interviewed there was poignant, heartbreaking and intense…⚾️

[@zackhample]

Sure was. I never realized how bad he had it.

[@KazeShikamaru]

That story was very moving.

[@kingg_roast259]

By far one of my favorite videos ! I saw the game on tv and getting other pov is nice thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RapidTransit1941]

I am so happy you went to this game! Truly special

[@michaelfriedman1078]

While you were at that game in Birmingham, Zack, I went to Oracle Park in San Francisco, across the Bay from me, to pay respects to Willie Mays 🙏. The Giants opened the ballpark up to fans, to pay our respects and also sign condolences books set up in center field. I got a Willie Mays t-shirt and decal sticker with Willie on it. He was the greatest 😢.

[@zackhample]

That sounds like a great experience. I'd glad just to know that that was happening in SF.

[@windytrop]

Love that you do videos basically giving tours of the stadium and seeing all the pregame activity. So much to admire besides the actual game

[@TheDailyWoo]

Very cool seeing it from this perspective. Enjoyed it

[@zackhample]

Thank you, sir!

[@Cod12479]

i never comment on your videos even though i keep up with your content, but thank you so much for doing a video on this stadium due to that i never got to watch the game. This is probably one of your most interesting videos. Thank you zack!

[@zackhample]

Thank YOU! Really appreciate it.

[@jeffshames4459]

Wonderful video, Zack, showing the viewer all around Rickwood Field, and also providing so much historical context. Those were great scenes with Ryan Klesko and his son, and Derek Jeter giving the kid his autograph! RIP Willie Mays

[@zackhample]

Thanks, Jeff! Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for watching.

[@donbean]

This is a good one.. Feels alot like an episode of this week in baseball.. Thanks for the videos..

[@alfredodeleonjr.]

It's so awesome that you got to go to the game, Zack! Ryan Klesko was my favorite player when he played for the San Diego Padres!

[@zackhample]

He's a good choice for a favorite player.

[@AntonioPerez18]

Thank you Zack for uploading this video!!! I really appreciate it!!

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching!

[@wolfy10100]

I'm from England and been to 6/7 games in the USA but man this looks awesome, Baseball is THE greatest game on earth!!!!

[@zackhample]

That means a lot coming from someone who was born an ocean away! :)

[@alfredb.a.]

Great video as always Zack “The Ballhawk GOAT” Hample, keep up the amazing work. RIP Willie Mays

[@okp21110]

congrats!! thank you for sharing your experience, especially since there were so many people across the country who were unable to go, this really makes me, and I bet I am not the only one who fells this, but it really makes me feel like I was there too, thank you again for sharing your experience, and I found it very cool that Jeter made sure that kid got a ball signed, if only it was that easy, every time I have gone to a game, I have tried everything, but not a single time have I even gotten close to getting a ball signed, but anyway, thank you for making such amazing content!!

[@zackhample]

You are very welcome. Thank YOU for the nice comment. I love trying to help people feel like they were there, so this means a lot to me.

[@jetman80pops]

Really this might be your best video on the channel Zack excellent work

[@zackhample]

Thanks. I really like how this one turned out!

[@SorgiStories]

Baseball Road Tripper sighting! Watching from home that night, this game was powerful. Great stuff, Zack!

[@SorgiStories]

Derek Jeter. Absolute class.

[@zackhample]

I hope the Road Tripper also posts a video from Rickwood.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Hi Sorgis!

[@MrGamingTv87]

Zack your the goat for destroying me being bored, thank you🫡🙏

[@zackhample]

I'm here for you!

[@TedsBaseballVlogs]

Thanks for sharing this game with us. I was at Angel stadium when they announced that Willie Mays passed away last Tuesday. It was great that they honored him at that game.

[@zackhample]

You're very welcome, Ted. Must've been strange to be at a game when that news broke.

[@rynoxroberts]

this is such a good video! the field of dreams one was my favorite, but this is 2nd. awesome job editing zack and thanks for sharing the history behind this stadium!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!!

[@luxace2576]

Awesome Video Zac!! That's awesome you got to to this stadium, really good game as well!! R.I.P Willie Mays, one of the best to ever play the game

[@Ayden_Tempesta]

This was SO COOL! SO HAPPY that you were able to take part in history Zack! MLB seriously did a great job putting the whole event together. Sucks that we had to loose one of baseball’s biggest ambassadors just before. RIP Willie Mays, your legacy WILL NEVER be forgotten!!! Also, HI TONY!!!!!!!!!

[@zackhample]

Thank you, Ayden! I knew you'd like this video (perhaps a bit more than others).

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

Hi Ayden!!!!

[@tracyfrompetco]

@@BaseballRoadTripper hi Tony me and some angel fan were grabbling for Larnach s first career hr 2 seasons ago i let her take it n she gv to a kid in front of us the head usher took the dad and kid away to make a deal

[@opqs8157]

It was so cool to finally meet you, Zack! I'm happy that you were able to attend and make this great video!

[@itsnotme07]

What a great video Zack/Rachel!! Editing was spot on man!! Really enjoyed what they did to and around the park, but not improving/changing the seats for that authentic experience. I've never seen a game in Birmingham, but I am pretty familiar with the city. Nice tribute by Willie May's son!! Loved the Ryan Klesko story!! Oh yeah, Michael Jordan never played at Rickwood Field for the Barons. They left for Hoover Metropolitan Stadium after the 1988 season. Moved to Regions Field in 2013.

[@zackhample]

Oh crap, really? Well F-meeee for getting that wrong. 🤦‍♂But I'm glad you liked it overall.

[@jakeplayz8363]

Thanks for taking a picture with me and signing my ball. I appreciate Zack.

[@zackhample]

You got it!

[@RWMyHappyThoughts]

Thank you for sharing this game. My husband and I were working at the game as Ushers. It was an amazing experience but there were some areas we didn’t get to see. What a great game that was. 😊🧡🖤

[@Dutch972]

Hey Zack, thanks for coming to Birmingham! It was cool to see you at the game. Hope you enjoyed it and our city!

[@zackhample]

Thank YOU for the warm welcome. It was great to be there and wish I could've stayed longer.

[@vvarietyshow]

It was cool to meet you at the game. Saw myself at 26:55 lol

[@zackhample]

:D

[@jorgerodriguez85]

As I watched this game, I enjoyed myself, soaking in the history & the stories, all the while wondering "I wonder if Zack made it." Happy for you Zack !

[@zackhample]

Of course I was there! :p

[@jonathanlovo7391]

I like the video very much Zack RIP Willie Mays

[@peytonclark1353]

MLB did a great job honoring the Negro Leagues and Willie May's during this game!

[@zackhample]

They sure did!

[@LayzCamperr]

im glad i went before all of this, got to actually see how the stadium looked more antique, not full of people, actually getting to see the full stadium without logos

[@peytonclark1353]

This seems like such a great stadium to visit! ❤ Hope I get to visit one day!

[@zackhample]

I hope so too.

[@peytonclark1353]

@@zackhample hope MLB plays more games here in the future

[@chrisrice2083]

Wow zack this is so cool really it is thanks for all the stats about the ball park and just showing everything how cool that was rip Willie mays

[@andrewdobosz3682]

#2 comin threw, what a memory he made for that kid ⚾️

[@gymrat2647]

That’s pretty cool,Have an all black umpire crew for that game.

[@seen48]

Very cool experience Zach. Thanks for sharing with us. 👏👊

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Awesome video, Zack!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@Pepperboy555]

Thank you for sharing this game. It gave me goosebumps thinking about all of the history of this stadium.

[@zackhample]

You're very welcome. It was a very goosebumpy experience for sure.

[@FirstBitewithDan]

Zack it was great to see you again! Thanks for taking the time to chat; always a pleasure!

[@awesomeheat2569]

More games deserved to be played their more often i wanna visit that ball park one day

[@zackhample]

I hope it happens.

[@SilverNightKyle]

Klesko being all kinds of cool! 😎 ⚾️

[@briantampa1164]

Such a cool video!! I have always wanted to visit this ballpark. Also Zack thank you for seeking out each comment and taking the time to answer everyone you possibly can. I'm the guy who keeps saying how cool it is to see you and the Philly Captain together in vids lol. Much love my friend!! Go Ray's!!!

[@zackhample]

You're welcome! I can't do that with every video, but I have more free time this week and it's nice to interact with people.

[@chiefmegadeth]

Awesome video Mr Hample! I'm finally coming back to the USA next month. going to 2 MLB games. Marlins vs Mets and Dodgers vs Giants among many other adventures.

[@zackhample]

Thanks and I hope you have a great and safe trip here.

[@Max_Edelman]

Wowzers

[@Xwill_2k]

Hey Zack I was at the game on Tuesday and Thursday and saw you in the late innings when you were walking to right feild and said what’s up and we exchanged fist bumps great game and a lot of history at the ballpark. Great to see you

[@zackhample]

Yo! :)

[@aidanfinkofficial]

Great video, Zack! Really glad you were able to go to Birmingham and check this out- I know how much you love adding to your list of stadiums and checking out these neutral sites that MLB goes to. Never would have thought there would be any venue used for MLB older than Fenway. Thanks for educating me a bit on baseball history this evening, haha. I’ll educate you on Zack Hample history this evening as well- this was the first you posted a video out of order since 2017. That was when you posted the videos from the Home Run Derby and All Star Game in Miami. You also did that in 2017 when you saw Albert Pujols hit his 600th career in Anaheim and also when you went to the first game ever at SunTrust Park (now Truist Park). I even remember that somebody asked in Q&A Part 7 why you post videos out of order and you mentioned those last two that you did it during those instances in 2017 but didn’t mention the All Star vids. Oh, why the hell do I remember all of this? Also, glad I was able to post SOMETHING for your 34th anniversary of snagging your first baseball even though there is no actual photo with you and your first ball. And glad you got the celebrate the anniversary by going to your 64th stadium!

[@zackhample]

That's some great history! I never like posting things out of order because I have a very linear-thinking brain, but this one seemed like it needed to be bumped up. Now hopefully it'll get lots of views.

[@MrSonicMAJ]

That's Westminster HS alum Ryan Klesko right there-- Go, Leos!

[@goodtimes474]

Great information about the stadium Mr. Zack thank you like always great video 👍

[@zackhample]

Glad you liked it!

[@jasonvoss6559]

Awesome glad you did this!

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@jasonvoss6559]

You're welcome, man! Really wanted to be there but already had my vacation to Oakland planned for the next two weeks to watch the A's play the Angels and the Orioles! Looks like you had a great time, and it was an awesome experience, Cheers!

[@jordanking2210]

Great vlog as always Zack. 31 years old and never go to visit many games much as a child due to growing up homeless!! love ya videos

[@zackhample]

Oh damn, well I hope you're doing better now, and thanks -- glad you enjoyed this.

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

i saw this on tv- made the first inning look like 50's black & white

[@Echagreens]

At the start I saw zack and I said i subscribed *i had the light blue Sox shirt on* and at the end it shows I caught a ball with my orange hat

[@EnjoyBallgameTV]

I'm watching Your KZbin in JAPAN 🇯🇵. I have been to Rickwood Field once. It's a beautiful Baseball field. I love baseball !⚾

[@zackhample]

Hello, Japan! Thanks for watching.

[@EnjoyBallgameTV]

@@zackhample Thank you for replying to my comment ⚾️ I love baseball✌️

[@birdman5223]

Interesting facility, good stuff Zack⚾️😎😱

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@민물바다조사-배준현]

잭햄플씨?안녕하세요.반갑습니다.오늘도,변함없이.야구장에,가셨군요.야구공.득템축하드립니다.항상.늘~대리만족하고갑니다.오늘도,활기찬.6월마지막주,주중밤잘보내세요.영상편집하시니라,수고하셨습니다.~^^"😅😊😂❤🎉

[@RuleGarza]

Great video 🎉

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@johncole273]

I love Zack Hample

[@SilverNightKyle]

Great video, kiddo… What an amazing walk through history, seeing all those NL players being given the reverence well deserved and a field full of future Hall Of Famer’s (even if one couldn’t find his way through the wall), truly marvelous!

[@zackhample]

Haha, poor Nolan. But yeah, what an incredible pre-game ceremony!

[@thesmithersy]

It is great that MLB honour the history with games like this, while also embracing the new with the London Series. Though I have to say, they certainly sang the US anthem better here than in London!

[@zackhample]

This may have been the best anthem I've ever heard. Goosebumps were plentiful.

[@chrisrice2083]

I loved watching ryan play

[@Dulcimerist]

Willie McGee is a legend! I saw him play a couple of times at the previous Busch Stadium. The Cardinals really need to hire Cardinals legend Terry Pendleton as their manager and Yadi Molina as some sort of other coach.

[@zackhample]

Terry! I always loved seeing him play.

[@yodapapavintageamericana]

❤ Zack i hope to meet you one day i have been collecting cards for 52 years and love the game of baseball

[@zackhample]

Hey! You must have an incredible collection. Hopefully we can meet up someday.

[@B.dub.]

i really hope you come to the cardinals game tmr ur my favorite youtuber ..

[@zackhample]

Thanks but I don't think I'll make it to St. Louis this season. I was planning to be there on June 23rd but then I heard that there were no commemorative balls for the City Connect stuff, so I cancelled.

[@stanleyberger8654]

Thanks for sharing.

[@zackhample]

👍

[@jeremydavis256]

Thank you for stopping and taking the time to take a photo with me and my son at the game. Thanks for always exploring the ballpark, I wish I would have went to the different sections!!! Maybe next time!!!

[@zackhample]

You're welcome, and I think that wandering is the most fun thing to do!

[@zachturner3443]

Awesome video man 🔥🔥

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@toneriggz]

Another great video. The history at that stadium could fill the types of books you’ll find at Argosy.

[@zackhample]

Ha, true!

[@DETROITONTOP16]

hey Zack i just had a quick question with the cup trick, i used it for the first time at a tigers game and got two balls! But my question was are every security team at ballparks just grouches? Because they took my cup trick after they saw me get a ball,. They even called security on me (a 13 yr old). Another kid that was like six just asking a pitcher warming up in the bullpen for the ball after he was done, and they called security on him too. Also i believe the pitcher was Will vest. Anyways thanks for being an inspiration to me and my family i've been watching you since i was like six, I still remeber when you caught that one Mets players 1st homer, and Mike Trouts, also when you got a bat from mike too. Any ways just thanks for making a huge impact on my child hood and just entertaining me and my dad every day when you upload. Anyways let me stop yapping but yeah i love you man thanks again!

[@C01t0n]

Na, most security are pretty chill like in Texas

[@zackhample]

Never stop yapping if you have such nice things to say! But unfortunately, security guards are often grumpy as hell about ball-retrieving devices. I can understand them not wanting fans to do it on the actual field or in the bullpens, but also, who gives a damn? If players, coaches, groundskeepers, umpires, ballboys, etc toss hundreds of balls into the crowd every day, why get upset if a kid swipes one that's sitting around? It especially pisses me off when the ball is in a completely dead spot like in a gap behind the outfield wall that isn't used for anything . . . and security still gets mad.

[@DETROITONTOP16]

@@zackhample thanks so much for taking your time to reply to this and help me with my questions

[@DETROITONTOP16]

@@C01t0n yeah but they're just a diffrent breed in the midwest

[@FifthYonko]

Thanks for all the tips you give me I got my first ball thx

[@zackhample]

Awesome! You're welcome.

[@peytonclark1353]

Been waiting for this video ❤

[@James316wu]

I was at baseball practice, and the flyover for the game flew right over the field I was at. Cool moment!

[@zackhample]

Cool!

[@HarrisonPeloso]

Rip Willy, we miss you

[@bigrich6075]

Would Love to see Rickwood field one day. I've been to Double day field last month when they did their Hall of fame game

[@BasketballAndBeyond20]

I was at Busch stadium for this game watching from the dug out on the big screen

[@zackhample]

That's cool!

[@victorhanley623]

awesome video sir

[@zackhample]

Thanks!

[@Camthapro-mg1oy]

So cool to see you meet klesko, got to meet him when he stopped by in our town, got some personal training from him. Really great guy!

[@zackhample]

Very cool! He seems like an A+ human.

[@nimerbusool4071]

Makes you think and imagine some of the older ballparks were still around. Like Ebbits Field and Polo Grounds. Imagine what they would be like today

[@zackhample]

If I had Elon Musk money, I would rebuild those stadiums and then have games played there, haha.

[@robertcrist6059]

Was that chalkboard original? What a sweet thing to have as you walk in.

[@chrisstiff2914]

Yeah there was a chalk board there before, and they replaced it with a new one during the renovations for the tribute to the Negro Leagues.

[@carlosleal3960]

Thanks for sharing your vlogs !!!!

[@zackhample]

Thanks for watching!

[@GavinKeough-n1c]

Zach where do you rank Rickwood for your all time stadiums list? What was better going there or going to Iowa for the Field of Dreams game?

[@Dulcimerist]

21:33 - Priceless!

[@MV3Bsbl]

We saw you Benny bang bang!

[@zackhample]

Benny for the win!

[@SilverNightKyle]

Bang Bang photobomb! 🤣

[@zackhample]

He loves doing that.

[@Chicagoathletics]

MLB could and should have a game here, Iowa, and Williamsport every year.

[@zackhample]

I agree. Not sure about the economics of it, but they should definitely have commemorative baseballs for all these games.

[@mitcheze]

I discussed that same topic with a friend of mine. We suggested a Cooperstown game too.

[@Chicagoathletics]

@@mitcheze yes there too. They can hold it on the week of inductions.

[@bkonnedits]

Nice video Zack do you think you could make it to progressive field on July 2nd or 3rd?

[@zackhample]

Thanks but I won't be there.

[@bkonnedits]

@@zackhample it’s alright

[@FireTheFaith95]

RIP Willie. And you can add another stadium to your list when the A’s play at the Giants’ AAA park in Sacramento. Lol

[@zackhample]

Can't wait to make it out there. I see it's gonna be like 110 degrees there soon with the heat wave coming, so hopefully it won't be THAT crazy when I'm there.

[@Khodee00]

The one that screamed Zack at 22:48 that was my cousin!!

[@zackhample]

:D

[@SuperCarFan-we2ug]

Miles mikolas is one of the most generous players I’ve seen. He throws so many balls to people during games

[@zackhample]

He really does. He was amazing in Pittsburgh . . . last year, I think it was?

[@CeeDeeProdz_64]

Hi zack love the content

[@zackhample]

Hi, thanks!

[@Hi-fs4ym]

Who else likes the cardinals

[@MegaRams12]

Any new merch release coming up?

[@zackhample]

I should really get on that.

[@aidanfinkofficial]

@@zackhampleYou should!

[@matthewhannon1751]

I'm firmly in Zack's camp here, Pickles ruin sandwiches.

[@zackhample]

THANK YOU!!

[@dylanburns4428]

5:00 is me giving the ✌🏼 🤣 5:00

[@nategonzalez2011]

I love your videos

[@zackhample]

I'm glad to hear that!