HBCU Baseball Takes Centerstage at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is no stranger to hosting historic moments, as the hallowed baseball venue has been around for over 100 years. Its signature look and feel give baseball fans a chance to go back in time and connect with the sport’s roots.

The Chicago Cubs were out of town during the first weekend in May, which gave a couple of HBCU baseball squads the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a matchup at the iconic stadium.

The Prairie View A&M Panthers squared off against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, with the Bulldogs earning the 10-7 victory.

Both offenses were humming early, but two Alabama A&M players specifically stood out in the box score. Miles Jackson hit leadoff and certainly set the table for a big day offensively for the Bulldogs. He logged three hits on the day and scored three runs.

Cleanup hitter Zak Rice also had himself a game, collecting three hits of his own and driving in four runs.

⚾ Windy City, we’re here! Alabama A&M alumni and friends, support the Bulldogs as they represent AAMU in the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field. SUPPORT THE BULLDOGS: https://t.co/a75Sm4gfyk pic.twitter.com/Rjdbi3Tt9k

— Alabama A&M University (@aamuedu) April 30, 2026

While six different Bulldogs notched hits in the game, so did six different Panthers. Prairie View A&M was led by right fielder Basilio Williams and catcher John Lawson, each of whom had one hit, one run and a pair of runs batted in.

Even though it wasn’t the cleanest start, Alabama A&M’s Anthony Mateo gave the Bulldogs length. Mateo went seven innings and allowed the Bulldogs to save their bullpen.

Prairie View A&M used Oliver Brown and Beau Beaty on the mound in the contest, both of whom got knocked around.

Regardless of the action and outcome on the field, fans were excited to have HBCU’s play in such a remarkable setting.

“This is our homecoming for HBCUs in Chicago, so to have that is truly gratifying,” said Black Baseball Media’s Earnest Horton. “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.”

Fan Carolyn Bonds was happy about the centralized location of the contest.

“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,” she said.

Omega Psi Phi’s Tracey Johnson spoke about the game being a learning experience for the current generation.

“And to see something 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,” Johnson said. “It means so much.”

PVAMUBSB: GAMEDAY AT THE FRIENDLY CONFINES!

The Panthers are back in action in a historic showdown against Alabama A&M at Wrigley Field!

🆚 Alabama A&M
📍 Chicago, Ill.
⏰ 7:05 PM
📊 https://t.co/sCALyBCKgJ

Be part of history as we take the field in the Chicago HBCU Classic! pic.twitter.com/V4t6RGTaXQ

— PVAMU Panthers (@PVAMUPanthers) May 2, 2026

There was a lot of anticipation and excitement leading up to the game, and Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson provided helpful context for the contest.

“Wrigley Field is the only ballpark where Jackie Robinson played that still stands today, making it a powerful place to write the next chapter of Black baseball history,” Johnson said. “This event honors the legacy of African Americans in the sport while inspiring young people across our city to see themselves in baseball, in higher education, and in leadership.”