THIRD ANNUAL EAST-WEST CLASSIC

For the third straight year, MLB will celebrate Juneteenth with an event at Rickwood Field. The 3rd annual East-West Classic returns to Birmingham on June 19th, serving as a powerful tribute to the legacy of the Negro Leagues All-Star Game and its enduring cultural impact on baseball.

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This year’s Classic will once again be led by captains CC Sabathia (West) and Chris Young (East), with rosters expected to include former All-Stars and World Series champions like Mike Cameron, Jose Contreras, Prince Fielder, Jeremy Guthrie, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and others. Expanding its community impact,

 

The East-West Classic will also feature an exciting Home Run Derby competition prior to the game, bringing together former MLB stars and fan favorites for a high-energy showcase! Participants are set to include Prince Fielder, Nick Swisher, Jerry Hairston Jr., Miguel Montero, Aaron Hicks, and Pedro Alvarez.

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MLB will also host a special Juneteenth PLAY BALL event at the newly refurbished Willie Mays Park in neighboring Fairfield, reinforcing the event’s connection to history, culture, and youth engagement.