Growing up as a Chicago Cubs fan, Oak Lawn’s Aidan Schopper has always considered Wrigley Field to be the most special place in baseball.
Getting a chance to play there was something Schopper had long pictured himself doing but never actually expected to happen. That fantasy, however, became a reality Sunday night.
“It’s something I dreamed of as a kid, playing on this field,” Schopper said. “I’m a diehard Cubs fan. It felt amazing to play here and even better to come away with a win. Overall, it was a great experience.
“I can’t even put it into words. It was probably one of the best days of my life.”
Schopper made what was already sure to be a memorable day even better by producing at the plate. The senior infielder connected for an RBI triple and a run-scoring single, helping the Spartans rally from a five-run deficit to earn a 10-7 win over Reavis in Chicago.
Jack Dempsey finished 2-for-4 with a run and four RBIs for Oak Lawn (7-6). Danny Strelow went 2-for-2 with a run and an RBI. Illinois-Chicago recruit Justin Canvin threw the final 1 1/3 innings without allowing a run to pick up the win in relief.
Oak Lawn’s Aidan Schopper (19) connects for a triple against Reavis during a nonconference game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“Getting that final out to win a game at Wrigley Field, I don’t know if I can really explain the feeling to people who aren’t baseball players,” Canvin said. “It was just like, ‘What just happened?”
“Your heart’s beating, the adrenaline is going crazy, your throat is sore from screaming. It felt really good.”
South Suburban College recruit Parker Zasada went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs to lead Reavis (8-6). Anthony Perez added two RBIs and Adrian Ortega contributed an RBI double.
The South Suburban Red rivals played a nonconference game on the special occasion.
Oak Lawn’s Aidan Schopper (19) looks to make contact against Reavis during a nonconference game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
The game started about an hour after the Spartans and Rams watched the Cubs rally from a 5-0 deficit for a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Schopper was inspired by that when the Spartans also got down 5-0.
“We kept our composure and kept our energy,” Schopper said. “In the Cubs game beforehand, the Cubs had a crazy comeback. We felt that energy.
“So we just knew that’s what it was going to take from us — to have that same energy.”
Schopper ripped a go-ahead triple into the left-field corner to cap a six-run fifth inning for the Spartans and give them a 6-5 lead.
Oak Lawn’s Aidan Schopper (19) looks up after connecting on a pitch against Reavis during a nonconference game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Flying around the bases in a big-league ballpark felt surreal to Schopper.
“It was pure adrenaline, man,” Schopper said. “I was just running as fast I could, trying not to stop. I think it could have been all four bases, but I was happy to get three.”
When he added an RBI single in the sixth, Schopper had his first two-hit day of the season. He’s put a slow start to the spring behind him, raising his batting average from .125 to .278 over the last five games.
Oak Lawn coach Bill Gerny has been delighted to see it.
“He was really struggling at the start of the season,” Gerny said. “But he’s taken all the coaching, he’s listened, he’s made adjustments, and it’s great to see him have this success.
Oak Lawn’s Aidan Schopper (19) reacts after a triple against Reavis during a nonconference game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“It couldn’t happen to a better kid. He’s one of the nicest kids in our school.”
Schopper played a big part in capping a dream day for the Spartans, which began with them hanging out together in the stands during the Cubs game.
“I’ve played with these guys since I was 12 and now I’m a senior and this is it,” Canvin said. “So, having this day with all the boys, it felt really good.”
And winning was the icing on the cake for Schopper.
“So many of my idols have played here,” Schopper said. “I’m going to remember all of this forever.”