Wrigley Field to Host First Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic This Spring

Wrigley Field to Host First Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic This Spring

Historic HBCU Baseball Game Coming to Wrigley Field

The Chicago Cubs have announced that the first-ever Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will take place at Wrigley Field later this spring, bringing Historically Black Colleges and Universities baseball programs to one of the most iconic stadiums in the country.

The game will feature Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University, two HBCU programs that will compete following a Cubs home game in early May. The matchup marks a historic first for Wrigley Field and highlights growing efforts to celebrate and expand opportunities within Black baseball.

A New Tradition for Chicago Sports

Organizers say the goal of the event is to create a long-term tradition that celebrates HBCU athletics while strengthening baseball’s cultural connection within Chicago.

Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and organizer of the event, described the Classic as part of a broader mission to elevate the next generation of talent and create more opportunities in the sport.

According to organizers, bringing the game to Wrigley Field helps establish a baseball tradition similar to the long-running Chicago Football Classic, ensuring that HBCUs remain an important part of Chicago’s sports identity.

More Than Just a Baseball Game

The event will include more than the on-field matchup. Officials say fans can expect a full celebration of HBCU culture, including:

• Marching band performances
• Fan activations and entertainment
• Cultural celebrations tied to HBCU traditions

These additions are designed to create an immersive experience that highlights the energy and legacy of HBCU athletics while introducing Chicago fans to a unique game-day atmosphere.

Why Wrigley Field Matters for This Event

Wrigley Field holds deep historical significance in baseball, and city leaders have emphasized the importance of hosting this event at such a significant venue.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the announcement a historic milestone, noting that Wrigley Field is the only remaining ballpark where Jackie Robinson played that still stands today. The event is seen as an opportunity to honor the legacy of African Americans in baseball while inspiring future generations.

The setting adds symbolic weight to the event, connecting baseball’s past with efforts to shape a more inclusive future for the sport.

Game Date and What Fans Should Know

The Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will be played on the evening of Saturday, May 2, following the conclusion of an earlier game between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.

Fans attending the Cubs game will have the opportunity to stay and experience the historic HBCU matchup, making it a full day of baseball at the Friendly Confines.

Why This Matters for Chicago’s Baseball Culture

Chicago has long been a city deeply connected to baseball history, and events like the HBCU Baseball Classic reflect efforts to broaden the sport’s reach while celebrating its diverse legacy.

By bringing HBCU programs to a major league venue, the event helps:

• Expand visibility for HBCU athletics
• Celebrate Black baseball history
• Introduce new audiences to college baseball
• Create meaningful opportunities for student-athletes

The Classic also signals how iconic stadiums like Wrigley Field are evolving into spaces that host cultural and community-driven sporting events alongside professional games.

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