This Juneteenth, baseball will pause to look back at one of its most important chapters. On June 19, the third annual East-West Classic takes place at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama - a tribute to the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the players who shaped the game long before MLB was fully integrated.

A Stadium Steeped in History

Rickwood Field isn't just any ballpark. Opened in 1910, it's the oldest professional baseball stadium still standing in the United States. For decades, it was home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues — a team whose alumni include a teenage Willie Mays, who got his start there before going on to become one of the greatest players in MLB history.

The East-West Classic itself traces back to 1933, when the Negro Leagues East-West All-Star Game became one of the most celebrated events in Black baseball, featuring legends like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson. Reviving this event each Juneteenth at Rickwood Field is MLB's way of keeping that history visible and honoring the players who helped build the game we love today.

Why It Matters to Fans Everywhere

Whether or not you're rooting for a specific team in this year's event, the East-West Classic is a reminder of how deep baseball's roots run — and how much history lives behind every team's modern-day logo. It's a great moment to reflect on the sport's full story, from sandlots and segregated leagues to the 30-team league we follow today.

Celebrate the Legacy with Your Team's Gear

Baseball's history belongs to every fan, and every team carries a piece of that legacy forward. Whatever team has your heart this season, now's a great time to gear up and show your colors.

Shop our MLB bags collection to celebrate the legacy — from classic team logos to game-day bag essentials, find officially licensed bags and accessories built for fans who know where the game has been and where it's headed.