Where Black excellence meets the Diamond: A Chicago showcase

While the mission behind the Chicago High School Baseball Classic set the tone, it was the action on the field that brought it to life.

Rich Township celebrates their win over Ogden in the Chicago High School Baseball Classic. (All pictures by Terrion Darnell/The Bigs Visuals)

Under the bright spring sun and the steady rhythm of cheers and hip-hop classics pumping through Ozinga Field, the Chicago High School Baseball Classic delivered more than just box scores. With packed stands, emotional dugouts, and highlight-reel plays throughout the day, the event gave Black baseball talent across Chicago a platform to shine and they did not disappoint.

"It's huge, because we're misrepresented in the sport," said one Homewood-Flossmoor parent and supporter. "We don't have enough guys in the spotlight, but it's coming. This event and more events like it are contributing to more young fellas wanting to play the game and be part of something different, as opposed to just basketball and football."

Lead organizer and co-founder of Black Baseball Media, Earnest Horton, known to many as “Coach E”, has built a team of dedicated individuals committed to delivering quality, inclusive, and family-friendly experiences for baseball fans across the country. When asked how the initial idea came to be, Coach E’s response was simple:

“We know we have some outstanding Black talent in the Chicagoland area who might not get the same exposure as other athletes. We’re just offering them an opportunity to put on for the city and get their names out there on a much broader level, in terms of media attention."

The opportunity impacted not only the players on the field but also the younger generation of ballplayers aspiring to one day be in their shoes. When asked what advice he’d give to those coming up, Coach E didn’t hesitate: “You’ve gotta keep playing this game. You play this game hard. It’s not always easy, and we’re often behind the eight ball. But we’re not going to make any excuses. We’re going to use our resources and platforms like this to amplify you guys in the Black communities."

While the mission behind the Chicago High School Baseball Classic set the tone, it was the action on the field that brought it to life. Across three intense matchups, players showcased their skills, coaches led with passion, and each team left its mark on the hundreds in attendance. 

Kicking off the action was “The South Burbs vs. The City Showdown,” as Rich Township faced off against Ogden International. On paper, the 8-2 Ogden International squad came in as the favorite, but as any baseball fan knows, it can be anyone’s game on any given day and this day would belong to Rich Township. Their road to victory began in the bottom of the second inning, when slugger Jesiah Dawson ripped a bases-loaded triple, driving in three teammates to give the Raptors a 3-1 lead and shift the momentum firmly in their favor.

“I made a big play in a big position, we were already down by one, and I knew someone had to step up and take over,” Dawson said. “So I did it myself and I was aggressive.” Dawson continued his strong performance later in the game with an RBI single, helping extend the Raptors’ lead 4-1.

Starting pitcher Landon Hughes put on a clinic on the mound, tossing three complete innings with five strikeouts while allowing just one run. His dominant outing earned him Game MVP honors. Hughes credited his performance and appreciates the recognition saying, “It's an honor, I went out there and played consistently for my team, I was dominating.”

With timely hitting, elite baserunning awareness, and a chip on their shoulder, Rich Township walked away with a 12-6 statement win over Ogden International to open the day’s 3-game slate. Head Coach Corey Stallings Sr. had this to say about the opportunity to play in the showcase, “Whether they go to my school or not, big proponents are getting guys out here and to get to experience things of this nature, even from a development side. It’s invaluable to me."

“The Battle of Champions,” was next as Homewood-Flossmoor took on Lane Tech. Two programs with rich traditions and championship pedigrees delivered a classic, old-school defensive showdown, with the score remaining tightly contested throughout the game. Lane Tech held a slim one-run lead all the way until the top of the sixth inning, when an RBI single brought in the tying run and kept Homewood-Flossmoor alive. That clutch moment set the stage for a dramatic seventh and final inning. The game ended in electrifying fashion as Tyler Trapp stole home with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, securing a 2-1 walk-off win for Lane Tech and avoiding extra innings. The bold play left one side of the crowd stunned and the other in an all-out frenzy, as Lane Tech sealed the victory over Homewood-Flossmoor and stormed the field in celebration.

The third and final game of the day, dubbed “The Southside Showdown,” featured a longstanding rivalry between Simeon and Kenwood. A matchup fueled by history, pride, and recent dominance by Kenwood, who entered looking to claim their third straight win over the Wolverines.

But Simeon had other plans.

Head coach Brandon Williams  emphasized the importance of playing a clean game and not beating themselves.

“They made it clear, those seniors said they’ve never lost to Simeon. They also made it clear they think they are what Simeon used to be." 

While Kenwood came in with swagger, it’s Simeon that holds the legacy, boasting 10 city championships to Kenwood’s one. The Wolverines took the talk as pure disrespect and used it as fuel. Key contributors for the Wolverines included Daniel Jones Jr., who scored three times and added a triple to his stat line. Ben Johnson also delivered at the plate, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs. And on the mound, dual-threat pitcher Christian Lott anchored the defense, pitching the majority of the game and holding the Broncos to just one run. In the end it was Simeon who reigned victorious as they took down the Broncos by a score of 7-1. Lott was awarded Game MVP for his efforts, marking the second consecutive year he’s earned that honor in the Classic:

“Feels amazing, people doubted us coming into this game. I just wanted to erase those narratives and get my team the win." 

As the sun set on a day full of talent, heart, and history, the 2025 Chicago High School Baseball Classic proved to be more than just a showcase, it was a celebration. The schools and student-athletes represented their communities with pride and passion, putting on a show that honored the game and its future. And none of it would’ve been the same without the fans who packed the stands, brought the energy, and created a safe, family-friendly atmosphere on one of the first warm days of spring.