Experience the Excitement: Join the World Baseball League Tryouts at Historic Rickwood Field!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Exciting news for baseball and softball enthusiasts! There’s a new baseball league coming to Rickwood Field, and it might just be the perfect fit for your skills.

The World Baseball League, created by Gaines Johnson, is all about bringing the community together through sports and entertainment. Johnson, a Samford University graduate with an MBA and experience in the U.S. Treasury Department, has been planning this league for a year. His goal? To celebrate the spirit of baseball while offering an affordable, fun experience for families.

This league will feature coed teams made up of former baseball and softball players. But there’s a fun twist! The scoring system will be unique. Each inning will be scored by match play. That means if your team scores four runs and the other team scores two runs in the first inning, only one run will be recorded for your team. It keeps the game exciting and competitive!

But that’s not all! Each team will also showcase their talent with a 90-second performance on the field, much like a mini talent show. Imagine teams led by stars like Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard. At the end of the game, teams will earn points based on fan votes or scores from impartial judges based on their performances.

To keep it accessible, Johnson plans to cap ticket prices at just $20. This approach aims to encourage more people to enjoy the event without breaking the bank.

Rickwood Field has a rich history in baseball. Back in 1905, Birmingham hosted 38 men’s teams sponsored by local businesses. The field, built in 1910 and inspired by Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, was once considered one of the best stadiums in the south. Johnson believes it’s important to revive the baseball spirit here.

Interested in joining or learning more about the league? You can find more information and details on open practices here.