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Levy's Becomes Rickwood Classic Official Sponsor

20th Annual Rickwood Classic set for May 27
March 16, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Barons announced Monday afternoon Levy's Fine Jewelry is now the official sponsor of the Rickwood Classic. The 20th annual Classic is set for Wednesday, May 27 as the Barons host the Jacksonville Suns at 12:30 p.m.

"We are excited to have Levy's on board for this season's Rickwood Classic," Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. "We have always had a close relationship with Levy's, and this agreement brings together two of Birmingham's most historic names."

Located at 2116 Second Avenue North, Levy's was founded in 1922 by Birmingham native Joe Denaburg and has been family owned and operated ever since its inception. Today, Levy's is in its third and fourth generation of family management.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be able to sponsor the 20th Annual Rickwood Classic," Levy's Manager Todd Denaburg said. "The Barons are one of the few things in Birmingham that has a longer history than we do. We've always felt close to the Barons, and we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor this year's game."

This season's Rickwood Classic celebrates the 1948 season - the theme of the first Rickwood Classic played in 1996 - as the Barons claimed one of their six Dixie Series championships won from 1920-1958, and 1967. Birmingham was led that year by slugger Walt Dropo, who amassed 14 home runs and a .359 batting average. The Black Barons also won the Negro American League title the same season behind the talents of a 17-year-old outfielder, Willie Mayes, patrolling the greens at Rickwood.

Darryl Strawberry is this year's guest of honor and will throw the game's first pitch. The eight-time All-Star is available afterwards to sign autographs for fans throughout the game. The 2015 Birmingham Barons Hall of Fame class will also be inducted between innings.

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile BayBears at 7:05 p.m. To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.