Taking in a St. Louis Cardinals game at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs should be on the “must list” for any baseball fan.
On a Father’s Day Weekend, with a wind-chill in the 30s, Missouri Hall of Fame photographer Wiley Price and I watched the Cubs tussle with the Montreal Expos in 1997.
Wiley was freezing so he went to purchase a sweatshirt or jacket. He came back with a Sammy Sosa pullover. “They have all this stuff on sale. The guy said they are going to trade Sammy Sosa.”
The Cubs didn’t trade Sosa and a year later he and Mark McGwire embarked on the epic (PHD driven) home run chase.
I saw the New York Yankees play at Wrigley on Sept. 7, 2024, the day after my birthday. It has been a while since I’ve seen the Cardinals play there. I need to get that done.
However, the next game I wish to see at Wrigley will not include the Cubs, Cardinals, or any MLB team.
On May 2, 2026, Alabama A&M University and Prairie View A&M University will play at Wrigley Field, “for a groundbreaking celebration of culture, legacy, and the game of baseball,” according to the Cubs.
The inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will be the first time a pair of HBCU schools have played in Wrigley Field.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in Black baseball,” said Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and Classic organizer.
“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.
I’d never heard of Black Baseball Media, so I looked it up online.
According to its website, “Black Baseball Media is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the sport of baseball. We serve the African American baseball community by promoting emerging talent and increasing participation in the game.”
Based in Chicago, it reports to have assisted over 3,500 kids between 2021 and 12025.
The impact includes:
MLK Baseball and Softball Camp: Over 250 youth participated in this annual event, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and leadership.
Chicago High School Baseball Classic: Celebrating high school talent with wide community participation, creating opportunities for 300+ players and spectators.
Learn Fresh STEM Program: 20 youth participated in a STEM league in partnership with MLB Players trust. The program cultivates students’ math skills in a fun engaging way.
Local 150 Partnership: 15 youth accepted into Local 150 trade union apprenticeship. A two-year program then job placement in the union trade fields.
All I can ask is “How and when can we do this in St. Louis?”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson notes the history that precedes the game.
“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,” said Jonshon.
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.”
Cardinals’ management should consider hosting a similar event – and not charge for attendance like the game in Chicago.
According to the Cubs website “all tickets have been claimed.” Those are beautiful words.
The Reid Roundup
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is tough coach, fierce competitor, and credit to women’s college basketball. UConn coach Geno Auriemma disgraced himself, his school, and college athletics while verbally attacking Stanley after South Carolina prevailed in an NCAA national semifinal. His actions should lead to a reprimand and his apology, which does not mention Staley by name, was weak. I think his ire is based on a Black woman – not just a woman – kicking his tail…Is that really Jordan Walker belting the baseball? While the Cardinals lost the game, his grand slam last week against the Detroit Tigers was possibly the summit of his young career. Keep it up, Jordan. Shut up the doubters, me included…Richard Chaifetz, a SLU graduate and billionaire, has joined the ownership group of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. He has said he wants an NBA team in STL.