HBCU baseball programs will take their place on one of sport’s most iconic stages this weekend.
The event will feature a matchup between Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University at Wrigley Field on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. CT.
For Bulldogs head coach Louis Whitlow, the opportunity is both historic and purposeful.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Whitlow told HBCU Sports in a phone interview. “We’ve had a few of those on our schedule this year, but to play in a venue like Wrigley Field — it’s special. At the same time, this is still a conference game for us. This is all business.”
The matchup, which counts in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings, came together through months of planning and collaboration with Black Baseball Media, the Chicago Cubs, and Major League Baseball.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in Black baseball. With the support of the Chicago Cubs, bringing this Classic to Wrigley Field allows us to build a baseball tradition that mirrors the decades-long impact of the Chicago Football Classic — ensuring HBCUs remain a vibrant part of Chicago’s sports DNA,” said Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and organizer of the Classic, in a statement.
While the setting will be unique, Whitlow has emphasized preparation and structure as the Bulldogs travel north.
“We’ll leave on Wednesday to give our guys an extra day to rest and prepare the right way,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re ready to go when the weekend gets here.”
A ‘really special’ baseball opportunity
For Alabama A&M players, the experience goes beyond competition.
Bulldogs player KJ Stanfield said simply stepping onto the field will be unforgettable.
“Just being able to walk on the field — I know it sounds cliche — but just stepping on that dirt and looking around,” Stanfield said. “We watch big league players on TV play there. The fact that we’re getting that opportunity is really special for the entire team.”
The trip also marks a first visit to Chicago for many on the roster, adding another layer to the experience.
“I’ve never been to Chicago, and I’d assume a lot of our guys haven’t either,” Stanfield said. “Just being able to experience a different city, the food, the environment — it’s important for us not just as athletes, but as young men. You get to see different things, meet different people, and network.”
The event is part of a broader push by Major League Baseball to elevate HBCU programs, something Whitlow believes is already making a tangible impact.
“Major League Baseball has made a concerted effort to highlight HBCU baseball,” Whitlow said. “You’re seeing more opportunities, more exposure. Draft numbers are going up, and I think they’ll continue to rise. Exposure makes a big difference.”
Black college baseball is growing
Whitlow, who has longstanding ties to Alabama A&M’s program, said the moment reflects years of growth within HBCU baseball.
“We’ve had talented players for many years,” he said. “But if you don’t have a light shining on you, how can you get the opportunity? Now that exposure is coming, and you’re seeing what happens when guys take advantage of it.”
As the Bulldogs prepare to step into a ballpark rich with history — one that once hosted legends of the game — the significance isn’t lost on anyone in the program.
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But once the first pitch is thrown, Whitlow expects his team to focus on what matters most.
“It’s a great experience,” he said, “but we’re going there to handle business.”
