Oak Lawn Spartans Will Play Reavis Rams In Regular Season Game At Wrigley Field

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks once said, “It’s a beautiful day for baseball. Let’s play two.” The Oak Lawn Community High School baseball team is going to take Mr. Cub up on that quote as the Spartans have announced that they will play Reavis High School at Wrigley Field on Sunday, April 12, following the 1:20 pm Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game.

“I think that opportunity for our athletes to play at one of the most iconic baseball fields in the world was too valuable to pass up,” OLCHS head coach Bill Gerny said. “Part of what makes high school athletics so important are the memories that these players will take with them and have for the rest of their lives.

“This senior class has proven over four years that they deserve every opportunity that I can give them. They have been dedicated and tireless in their involvement with the program.”

Wrigley Field frequently showcases high school teams, building memories for young players and giving them the experience of playing on a major league baseball field.

On June 26, 1920, a 17-year-old first baseman for the New York City high school baseball champions slugged a grand slam out of Wrigley Field in an exhibition game against the Chicago high school champs, Lane Tech. Twelve years later, that same player once touted as the “Babe Ruth of the High Schools” – Lou Gerhig – would return to slug two homers out of Wrigley Fields for the New York Yankees’ World Series sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

If you've never been to Wrigley Field in April bring your winter parka just in case because it really is cooler by the lake.

Ticket information will be released soon by the OLCHS Athletic Office, and the Spartans are looking forward to a successful day at the Friendly Confines. The ticket price will include the Cubs game and the Oak Lawn vs. Reavis game that follows.

~ Contributed by Brian Frangella, OLCHS Features Writer