Photo credit: The Double Duty Classic
A beloved South Side tradition returns to Chicago this month, bringing together baseball, family history, and the legacy of the Negro Leagues. The free event welcomes fans from across the city for two days of celebration.
The Chicago White Sox Double Duty Classic takes place on July 21 and 22 at Rate Field. The event honors the rich history of Black baseball while showcasing many of the nation’s top high school players. Organizers named the classic after Chicago baseball legend Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.
The Double Duty Classic honors Negro Leagues history
The Double Duty Classic celebrates the lasting impact of Negro Leagues players and highlights Chicago’s important role in Black baseball history. Organizers want young athletes and fans to understand how these pioneers helped shape the game.
Former Chicago American Giants player Dennis Biddle may share firsthand stories from the Negro Leagues era. His appearance would give attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who lived that history.
The White Sox also plan to feature current ACE coach Troy Williams, a former Double Duty Classic participant, along with team representative Christine O’Reilly. Together, they will help connect today’s players with the game’s historic past.
A baseball tradition passed through generations
The Double Duty Classic has become more than an annual baseball event. It has also become a family tradition for many participants.
The Houston family reflects that legacy. Three generations have participated in the event, showing how the classic continues to influence players and their families.
Coach Houston plans to discuss how the event has shaped young athletes over the years. His family’s story highlights the strong community connections that have grown around the Double Duty Classic.
Generational participation like this shows how deeply the event has become part of Chicago’s baseball culture.
Community performances add to the celebration
The celebration extends beyond the baseball field.
A Chicago-based HBCU alumni group will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the games. The mother of one participating player will perform the National Anthem.
Fans arriving through Gate 4 can also enjoy a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers. The popular Chicago group adds even more hometown pride to the weekend festivities.
Why the Double Duty Classic matters
The Double Duty Classic brings together former Negro Leagues players, Chicago baseball families, HBCU alumni, community performers, and talented student-athletes. Together, they celebrate both the sport and the history that continues to shape it.
Organizers view the event as much more than a baseball showcase. They see it as a celebration of culture, family, education, and opportunity.
Families, students, and baseball fans can enjoy elite high school competition while learning about one of baseball’s most important chapters. Best of all, the event remains free for the community at Rate Field.
This article was originally reported using information provided by MyWhy Agency.
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