MLB Unveils 2026 East-West Classic Rosters for Historic Rickwood Field

This blog post recaps Major League Baseball’s announcement of expanded rosters for the 2026 East-West Classic. The event is coming back to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, honoring the Negro Leagues All-Star Games and giving baseball’s history a fresh, fan-friendly spin.

You’ll find info here on leadership, game structure, tickets, and a lineup of pregame events. The weekend aims to pull in the community and maybe spark something in the next generation of players.

Expanded rosters and event scope

The East-West Classic returns to historic Rickwood Field on Friday, June 19. This time, the rosters combine established stars with up-and-coming talent for a five-inning regular-season contest.

The event pays tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Games from 1933 through 1962. It’s a nod to a legendary era, but also a chance for fans in Birmingham and beyond to see something new.

For 2026, the game’s rosters show off a ton of Major League experience and team success. The whole thing tries to bridge baseball’s past and the players who are shaping what’s next.

Team leadership and management

CC Sabathia will captain the West. Chris Young, a former All-Star outfielder, takes charge for the East.

In the dugout, Jerry Hairston Sr. and Jesse Barfield will manage the teams. They bring a mix of veteran know-how and a real interest in developing talent and connecting with the community.

• 276 Major League seasons among participating players
• eight World Series championships
• 1 Cy Young Award
• 49 All-Star appearances
• 24 Silver Slugger Awards
• 10 Gold Glove Awards

Game format, tickets, and the Negro Leagues heritage

The East-West Classic at Rickwood Field will be a five-inning regular-season game. It honors the Negro Leagues All-Star Games, which really shaped American baseball.

General admission tickets cost $12 and you can grab them now on MLB’s official website. It’s a pretty affordable way to see a lineup that mixes baseball’s history with its future.

Home run derby lineup

Before the first pitch, the home run derby kicks off at noon Central. That should bring some extra energy to the day.

East hitters Pedro Alvarez, Jerry Hairston, and Aaron Hicks will go up against West sluggers Miguel Montero, Nick Swisher, and defending champ Prince Fielder.

Television coverage and fan access

MLB Network will air a behind-the-scenes look at the East-West Classic with “East-West Classic: All Access” on June 27. Expect a peek into preparations, clubhouse moments, and the personalities who make this event stand out.

Youth clinics and community involvement

On game day, Rickwood Field will host a PLAY BALL youth clinic. Aspiring players get to learn straight from major-league veterans and coaches.

More than 150 kids from the AEB Legacy Nike RBI and Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson Nike RBI programs are expected to show up. The clinic is free, and each participant gets a ticket—hopefully, that keeps them coming back to baseball.

The East-West Classic celebrates baseball’s Negro Leagues heritage. It’s also a chance for MLB stars to actually connect with fans and local communities.

This event brings a storied lineup and a historic venue. The schedule is packed with family-friendly activities, and honestly, it just feels like something you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re anywhere near Birmingham.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Announces Rosters for 2026 East-West Classic at Rickwood Field