Robbery at Rickwood

One week ago, Birmingham hosted its first major league baseball game when the St. Louis Cardinals played the San Francisco giants at historic Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America. The purpose being to celebrate the Negro Leagues and Birmingham’s most famous player Willie Mays, who sadly passed away two days before the game took place. Some of the guests included Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Ken Griffey Jr. as well as future Hall of Famers like Albert Pujols and others. Oh yeah… Barry Bonds was there too inflicting himself on everyone like a case of the mumps. He may be Willie Mays godson, but anyone with an ounce of objectivity knows the man is a low character cheat and should never be allowed near the Hall.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, we’ll get on with the point of this post. I mentioned all of the people at the game. Do you want to guess who wasn’t at it? Me. Not only me, but anyone else who values their money. When the average price for a ticket to a major league game is $53 (still too high). the prices for this one ranged from $300 or higher (six times the average price). Are you kidding me?! Why not just say, ‘stick ’em up’ with every ticket sold. I know that this was a special event but come on… this was ridiculous. Baseball is supposed to be a game for everyone and not the well to do and special guests. For a lifelong baseball fan, such as myself, who grew up idolizing Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine of the 1970’s, this was a slap in the face. Need I remind everyone that we are not currently living in a Trump, but a Biden economy where inflation has made everything so expensive that people are spending hundreds for groceries and essentials. A ticket to a baseball game is hardly that. Baseball should appreciate the plight of others and react accordingly. By setting fixed ticket prices at affordable amounts, it would increase sales and win much needed goodwill with the public. Something to consider for next time now that the Major Leagues are considering holding more games at Rickwood. Hope to see you at the next one, whenever that is. At these prices, I know to start budgeting now.

Until next time, be good or be good at it.