By Lenn Durant | National Sports Report – (Birmingham, AL)
Legends of the game gathered at historic Rickwood Field in Major League Baseball’s celebration of the Negro League All-Stars coinciding with Juneteenth. The star studded event honored the rich history of the Negro Leagues with some of the original players in attendance. Former players played an exhibition game as well as a home run derby on the same field where the game’s greatest athletes once played.
Hall of Fame Inductee CC Sabathia headlined the event and was the winning pitcher for the West Team, as they beat the East Team 3-0 in the scheduled five inning game. Prince Fielder won the home run derby outlasting former Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones. There was a three-hour rain delay before the teams took the field at Rickwood.
Hosting the festivities was Birmingham native, comedian Ron Wood Jr. currently on the TV show “Have I Got News For You” on CNN. Some of the greats who participated included Gary Sheffield, Ryan Howard, Matt Kemp, Chris Young, Jake Peavy, and Mike Cameron.
“There’s a direct connection between this field and all of us because we wouldn’t be able to play the game if it wasn’t for the guys that paved the way that played on this field.,” Sabathia said. “This won’t be the last time we’re down here.” This was the second annual East West Classic. Last year the inaugural event was held at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
