Imagine stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Wrigley Field, not as a spectator, but as a player! This dream is about to become a reality for two local high school baseball teams, Oak Lawn and Reavis, who are set to play a unique doubleheader on April 12th. But here's where it gets truly special: this isn't just any high school game; it's happening after a Major League Baseball game!
The day kicks off with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:20 p.m. Once the final out is recorded in that professional contest, the field will be cleared for the main event for many local baseball enthusiasts. Approximately 45 minutes after the Cubs game concludes, Oak Lawn and Reavis will take the field for what is being called an exhibition game. This marks a historic first – a high school game played at Wrigley Field following a professional game.
Oak Lawn coach Bill Gerny expressed his astonishment when the Cubs extended the invitation, stating, “When the Cubs contacted us, it sounded like, ‘this is too good to be true.’” He shared the news with his team during a morning workout, noting the diverse fan allegiances within the squad. "Our team is probably 50-50 on Cubs fans and Sox fans. Even the kids who are Sox fans say to play on Wrigley Field is a no-brainer. You can’t pass up that opportunity.”
This exciting opportunity arose when Oak Lawn approached Reavis to be their opponent. Both schools have the responsibility of selling 1,000 tickets each, and these tickets will grant access to both the Cubs/Pirates game and the Oak Lawn/Reavis matchup. Details regarding ticket sales are still forthcoming.
The exhibition game itself will adhere to a specific format: it will either last for seven innings or 2½ hours, whichever comes first.
Reavis coach Kyle McKinley, in his second year with the team, was thrilled to be invited. "I met with the kids and they were ecstatic,” he shared. "We have a great group of kids and they were very thankful. They are looking forward to it. This is a life experience for them that they were able to carry with them for a very long time. It’s the greatest baseball field of all time.”
Coach Gerny echoed this sentiment, calling it a "historic afternoon." He emphasized the rarity of such an event, stating, “I don’t see too many high-school teams play at Wrigley Field and it’s probably one of the most iconic baseball parks in the world.”
It’s shaping up to be an action-packed spring for both teams. Oak Lawn has a trip to Alabama planned for March, while Reavis is slated to participate in the Prep Baseball Report showcase in O’Fallon and also has a trip to Florida.
Cubs officials have indicated that this is the only high-school game currently scheduled for this season, though they are exploring the possibility of hosting more in 2026. When asked about their choice of Oak Lawn, officials mentioned they had spoken with several programs and felt Oak Lawn was an excellent fit both academically and athletically. They are continually seeking innovative ways to showcase the ballpark to a wider audience.
Coach Gerny eagerly anticipates his team taking the field on April 12th. "That’s every kid’s dream to stand in front of the ivy at Wrigley Field and play baseball,” he said.
But is this the ultimate dream for every young athlete, or does the allure of a professional stadium overshadow the competitive spirit of a high school game? What are your thoughts on this unique exhibition? Let us know in the comments below!
