Being a 13 year old boy growing up in the north suburbs of Chicago, nothing was more sacred to me than the possibility of playing at Thillens Stadium. Young boys and girls have been playing at the stadium for over 65 years. Thillens is the Mecca of all little league baseball fields. With their finely cut grass, well manicured infield, 7 foot outfield fences, electronic scoreboard and signature Thillens brinks truck in centerfield, there really isn’t anything more exciting for a prepubescent teen.

I still remember crossing over the Skokie River and seeing the giant, life-size, Thillens baseball sign on the corner of Kedzie and Devon Avenue. Unlike most little league fields, Thillens is built like a miniature stadium. For children playing on the main field, it might as well be Wrigley Field. I had not been there in over 20 years and I’m happy to report nothing has changed. I had chills running down my arms walking on the field and can remember almost every play of the game that I played there back in 1986. Although, we didn’t win the game, the memories and friendships have lasted a lifetime.

The stadium is open all summer long and there is a game going on from 10AM on weekends to late into the night. Oh, I almost forgot, Thillens has lights that were probably installed some time around World War II. During night games, some of the hanging lights don’t cover the entire playing field and there are corners of the outfield that are somewhat dark. That only adds to the charm of the whole experience. Located on the outskirts of West Rogers Park with apartment buildings right across the street, there is a cozy feel to this Chicago landmark. Thillens doesn’t have a website that I could find, but it is pretty much open on any summer days during the weekend when it isn’t raining. You can get more information about it on the Chicago Park District website. Admission depends on the event but is never more than a few dollars. Thillens is located at 6404 N. Kedzie in Chicago.