The Chicago High School Baseball Classic is taking place on April 4. Hosted by Black Baseball Media, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to amplifying the voices and contributions of Black people in baseball, the all-day showcase will highlight some of the city’s best young talent. It centers Black student-athletes in a sport where representation has often been limited.
With national attention growing around the next generation of baseball players, the Chicago High School Baseball Classic provides a major stage for student-athletes to compete, gain exposure, and represent their communities. The event also strives to push back on a narrative about who belongs in baseball.
Dubbed “The Super Bowl of High School Baseball,” the showcase will bring together some of the region’s most talented programs for a full day of high-level competition at Ozinga Field, located at 14011 Kenton Ave. in Crestwood, IL, a southwest suburb.
The lineup features three marquee matchups: Ogden International vs. Homewood-Flossmoor at 11:00 a.m., East St. Louis vs. Morgan Park at 2:00 p.m., and Rich Township vs. Simeon Career Academy at 5:00 p.m.
Each program has proven to be competitive. Morgan Park took home the Chicago Public League Championship in 2021. The others have seen some of its alumni succeed in the MLB: Homewood-Flossmoor’s Shai Robinson was drafted in the 10th round of 2025 MLB Draft. Fellow alum Dillon Head currently plays outfield for the Miami Marlins, and Simeon’s Corey Ray is a first base coach for the Washington Nationals.
Tickets are still available, and start at $17.55.
Each game offers players a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage. With scouts, coaches and community members expected to be in attendance, the classic is on track to be a big ole celebration of Black youth in baseball.
This is a big deal for the sport. In recent years, there’s been a decline in Black participation at the amateur and even professional levels of baseball.
Through events like the Chicago High School Baseball Classic, Black Baseball Media is working to create more access points for young players while building a stronger and more visible pipeline of talent. Former Hyde Park High School alumnus, who played at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Earnest “Coach E” Horton, is the CEO and co-founder of Black Baseball Media.
In a written statement to The TRiiBE, Horton emphasized the importance of the event:
“The Chicago High School Baseball Classic is a critical part of the Black Baseball Media mission, offering young athletes a chance to play on a professional-level field while bringing awareness to the talent emerging from public schools.”
The Chicago stop is part of a nationwide series. Additional showcases are planned for the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) area on April 18 and Detroit on May 23.
