Historic Showdown at Wrigley Field: Prairie View A&M Panthers vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs in First-Ever Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic

CHICAGO (WLS) — Wrigley Field played host to a momentous occasion on Saturday as two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) clashed in a groundbreaking baseball game.

Despite the rivalry on the field, the debut of the Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic unified spectators in the stands, creating a sense of camaraderie and celebration.

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This inaugural event illuminated the pride and tradition of HBCUs, with the iconic Wrigley Field serving as the perfect backdrop for this historic moment.

“This is a first-time event, and it’s incredible for us,” expressed Aliyah Jones, a proud alumna of Alabama A&M, reflecting the excitement shared by many attendees.

Organized by Black Baseball Media, the Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic made history on the same date, May 2, as the first-ever Negro Leagues game, which featured the Chicago American Giants in 1920. The event paid homage to the rich legacy of Black baseball in America.

“This is our homecoming for HBCUs in Chicago, so to have that is truly gratifying,” said Earnest Horton with Black Baseball Media. “So many community organizations that’s coming out to this game. Day one we sold out of those first tickets, and it’s free for the community, so it’s truly heartfelt.”

Horton joined ABC7 in February ahead of the special event.

“I never had the opportunity to go to an HBCU, so this right here is very good for me,” Kappa Alpha Psi member Markus Allen said.

“With my son being an HBCU alum, we always had to travel down south to watch them play, but now it’s a blessing and an honor to see the HBCU coming to Chicago,” attendee Carolyn Bonds said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered the first pitch before the National Anthem ushered in the Prairie View A&M Panthers and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on the field. HBCU alum and members of Divine Nine fraternities and sororities were beaming with pride.

“And to see some like this finally come to Chicago, as an educator, I can bring my kids and give them the exposure that I had 40 years ago,” Omega Psi Phi member Tracey Johnson said. “It means so much.”