Images of Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala.

I had heard many stories about Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala., but never took time to drop by for a visit until I shot these images in fall 2004.

Willie Mays and Satchell Paige are among the baseball legends who graced the green grass at America's oldest professional ballpark.

The city's double-A Barons played at Rickwood for many years before leaving after the 1987 season for a new ballpark in suburban Hoover. 

But the cozy park built in 1910 still hosts the annual Rickwood Classic, which pits the Barons against a fellow Southern League foe, as well as small college games.

I hope to attend a future Rickwood Classic to experience what baseball was like many years ago. 

Until then, I reckon these images will have to do.

For more on the ballpark, check out the Friends of Rickwood blog.