Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: Roy Wood Jr. on the Road to Rickwood
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Jun 16, 2024 Roy Wood Jr., a comedian and host of the podcast "Road to Rickwood," grew up in Birmingham and played baseball at the historic Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America. He discusses the field's paradoxical history, from its ties to the Birmingham Black Barons and the Negro Leagues to its role in civil rights. Wood highlights personal stories of resilience and camaraderie among players navigating segregation, revealing how baseball was both an oasis and a battleground for racial issues. His conversation sheds light on the ongoing legacy of Black baseball and the future of the sport in Birmingham.
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Traveling While Black
- Former Black Barons players Bill Greeson and Al Holt recounted the hardships of traveling during segregation.
- They often faced discrimination and uncomfortable conditions, sometimes even sleeping outside due to critters in their lodgings.
Rickwood: An Oasis
- Rickwood Field served as an oasis from racial tensions, offering a shared space for both Black and white communities.
- The success of both the Barons and Black Barons fostered a sense of unity in a divided city.
Rickwood and Negro League History
- Rickwood Field, built in 1910, hosted both the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons.
- The MLB is honoring Negro League achievements with a game at Rickwood on June 20th.
