South Bend Cubs Concessions Program Donates $100,000 to Local Charities

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SOUTH BEND, IN – While the South Bend Cubs won on the field, a number of local non-profit organizations won off the field. This season, the Cubs were honored to donate nearly $100,000.00 to local charities as part of their Cubs Concessionaire Program.

“There are a number of organizations in Michiana whose primary source of fundraising is volunteer work,” said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “Our concessions program offers a way to help these not-for-profit groups with guaranteed work and funds for their programs.”

“Non-Profits are an integral part of our South Bend Cubs team,” said Justin Grandstaff, Vice President of Operations for Professional Sports Catering. “Building these relationships helps us strengthen our support in the community.” Professional Sports Catering is a division of Levy, the market leader and critically acclaimed hospitality company in the industry.

In order to participate in the Concessionaire Program, organizations must provide a 501-C3 certificate as well as a COI (certificate of insurance) for their group. Group leader must also pass a background check. Once all requirements have been met, dates can be scheduled with the Director of Food & Beverage for Four Winds Field.

Groups can receive a flat rate donation or a portion of the sales from their concession stand or portable cart.

Organizations looking for more information and to sign up for the 2023 season should contact Chloe Greenboam by emailing [email protected].

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2022, and has captured nine division titles. In 2022, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best High-A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest, having also won the award as a Low-A ballpark in 2017. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Four Winds Field Hosts 5th Annual Trick or Treat Event October 24

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SOUTH BEND, IN – In what has become an October tradition at Four Winds Field, the South Bend Cubs are partnering with the South Bend Police Department for Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 24. Gates will open at 5 PM and trick or treating will take place until 7:30 PM.

This event will be limited to 8,000 ticketed guests. To pick up entry vouchers, visit the South Bend Police Department or the Cubs Den Team Store. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.

With the historically large crowds at Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins, those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their tickets early for guaranteed admission. Additional locations to pick up tickets will be announced on the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium, and tickets will not be offered on the day of the event.

Families with tickets for each member will be allowed to enter the stadium through the center field gate, located at the corner of Western Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, between the buildings of The Ivy at Berlin Place. Guests will be allowed to park in any paved lot around the stadium for free with the exception of the Ivy at Berlin resident parking lots.

To avoid overcrowding, two separate trick or treating lines will be formed inside the stadium. Guests will only be allowed through one line. Distribution tables will be placed throughout the stadium and candy will be distributed by vendors and placed in the bags or buckets of the trick or treaters. Guests will exit the stadium through Gates A or B, which are the gates on the home plate side of Four Winds Field. In order to keep the flow of traffic moving in one direction, guests will not be allowed to backtrack through the line.

For those looking to shop for any and all South Bend Cubs and Midwest League Championship gear, the Cubs Den Team Store will be open to the public during the event. Access to the Cubs Den Team Store will be available through the William Street entrance only.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer James Burns at 574-235-9401 for more information. This is a rain or shine event.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2022, and has captured nine division titles. In 2022, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best High-A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest, having also won the award as a Low-A ballpark in 2017. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Luis Nevarez's Home Run for Life

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This is the fifth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by Horizon Transport to benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital.

There’s very little in life that can stand between a boy and his dog. The same sentiment holds true for 11-year-old Luis Nevarez and his pup, Daisy.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEACON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Recently, The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Luis his wish with the pomeranian puppy.

In February of 2020, walking without balance, vomiting, and experiencing dizziness at school, his mother Claudia rushed him to Beacon Memorial Hospital in South Bend for a brain scan.

“It was the worst day of my life. I was afraid he could die,” said Claudia.

Their worst fears had come true. Luis was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called malignant neoplasm of the cerebellum.

His first bout of radiation commenced shortly thereafter with chemotherapy treatments wrapping up in December of that year.

Luis is now in remission and continues to get MRI scans every three months.

Thank you to Horizon Transport for sponsoring this week’s Home Run for Life game. Every dollar raised during the game will be matched by Horizon Transport and will benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital. Horizon Transport, a highly respected leader in the RV world, is dedicated to the health and well-being of the children in our area. To make a donation, please click here.

Beacon Children’s Hospital is Michiana’s only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital designed just for kids!

Home Run for Life 2022 Dates (click each date to purchase tickets)

Deaf Awareness Night Returns to Pelicans Ballpark

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The night, which is presented by Young Talkers, marks the 4th annual event for the team

August 12th will mark the return of Deaf Awareness Night to Pelicans Ballpark presented by Young Talkers. To increase awareness and raise funds for the deaf community, the Pelicans will wear specially-designed jerseys, courtesy of Young Talkers, that replace the traditional Myrtle Beach script with American Sign Language (ASL). The back of the jersey will also feature the “I Love You” sign in ASL, a strong symbol within the deaf community. The club will auction off the commemorative jerseys with proceeds benefiting the Pelicans Organization for the Deaf.

In an effort to create an inclusive experience for members of the deaf community, sign language interpreters will be infused into the Pelicans’ game day experience. Interpreters have been assigned to special sections within Pelicans Ballpark for the evening. Fans needing an interpreter for the game on August 12 should purchase tickets online at myrtlebeachpelicans.com using promo code DA2022. The dedicated interpreter sections for the evening will be 107 and 208. Additionally, the first 500 fans through the gates will receive a gift bag courtesy of Young Talkers.

Gates will open at 6 PM for the 7:05 PM game against the Columbia Fireflies (affiliate of the Royals). For tickets and additional information visit myrtlebeachpelicans.com/asl.

ABOUT YOUNG TALKERS: Young Talkers is an adult & pediatric therapy clinic located in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pawleys Island, SC. Their mission is to provide quality speech-language and feeding/swallowing therapy services to the pediatric and adult population in order to enhance their verbal/non-verbal communication and feeding/swallowing skills. They accomplish this by identifying concerns through specialized evaluations and the development of goals to meet the needs of the patient and their family. Young Talkers has received first place in Best of the Beach for six years in a row for Best Medical Clinic, Group or Office. For more information, visit them online at YoungTalkers.com.

ABOUT PELICANS ORGANIZATION FOR THE DEAF: Pelicans Organization for the Deaf (POFD) is a non-for-profit organization that provides educational and cultural events which serves members and board with diverse in the Myrtle Beach area. POFD recognizes the differences and diversities in people and members who encourage interaction amongst one another for stimulating and exciting exchanges of ideas , concepts, information and leadership. Each POFD member is unique and appreciated as an individual. Without them, POFD would not exist. The programs, service, events and new activities provided by POFD continues to attract new members and volunteers. A growing number of members in this organization shows that POFD is truly meeting its goals and needs in the community.

Charlie Ferguson’s Home Run for Life

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Four-year-old Charlie Ferguson has dreams of one day becoming a doctor, or a chef. So intrigued, in fact, that she was given a stethoscope of her own during a recent appointment.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEACON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

In October of 2021, after experiencing random headaches, her mom Kelsie decided to take her to Beacon Children’s Hospital in South Bend for a CT scan. What followed was terrifying and unexpected.

“It was fast getting that news. In for a CT, 30 minutes later, my family doc called me and told me they found something. I was terrified and so was she,” said Kelsie.

Two days later, Beacon Children’s Neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Fulkerson performed an emergency 12-hour surgery removing some, but not all, of a large tumor tucked away in Charlie’s brain stem.

A second surgery was performed months later, followed by three rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation that would remove most of what was left of the tumor.

“Beacon has been amazing. The staff, Dr. Fulkerson, everyone. Charlie is doing therapy now and we are very optimistic. We know she’ll be ok,” said Kelsie.

The near future may be uncertain for the Ferguson’s, but this close knit family has faith that Charlie will one day share her story of resilience with patients of her own.

Beacon Children’s Hospital is Michiana’s only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital designed just for kids!

Home Run for Life 2022 Dates (click each date to purchase tickets)

Pack the Camper School Supply Drive Announced

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Pelicans team up with Campers Inn RV, WMBF for local school supply drive

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (July 21, 2022) – With the new school year fast approaching, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have teamed up with Campers Inn RV and WMBF News to host a school supply drive at Pelicans Ballpark August 2 through 5. With the donation of any school supplies fans will receive a free wristband to the Rockin’ Jump Fun Zone at Pelicans Ballpark. The wristband is valued at $5 and is available to kids 12 and under.

“The kickoff to the school year is always an exciting time but the lead up can also be stressful for many parents and teachers as school supply shopping can add up,” said Ryan Canella, Assistant General Manager of Sales for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. “We are excited to partner with Campers Inn RV and WMBF News as we do our best to help the children of our community start the year with everything they need to excel in the classroom.”

The Pelicans will take on the Lynchburg Hillcats, affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, during the August series. All school supply donations should be dropped off at Guest Services during one of the designated games. A suggested list of supplies, courtesy of Horry County Schools, is listed below:

  • No. 2 Pencils
  • Nylon Pencil Pouch
  • Pack of Washable Markers
  • Box of Crayons – 24 Count
  • Pack of Glue Sticks
  • Notebook Paper
  • Colored Pencils
  • One Subject Notebook
  • Pocket Folders
  • Pack of Multi-Colored Highlighters
  • Binder (1.5”)
  • Divider Tabs
  • Earbuds

South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive Present Teacher Appreciation Night

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SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are thrilled to continue to partner with Jordan Automotive for another Teacher Appreciation Night at Four Winds Field on Wednesday, June 8 for a 7:05 p.m. ballgame that includes post-game fireworks.

“We love this night every year,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “It provides us a chance to honor and show our gratitude for all the hard work teachers and educators in the area do for our kids.”

“Teachers deserve to celebrate their good work and we love being able to be a part of that celebration,” said Robert Hayden, Executive Manager of Jordan Automotive Group. “Without teachers’ involvement and support, the Food 4 Kids program would not be as successful, and for that and all they do we truly appreciate teachers.”

In order to give back for all the strenuous work done by teachers within the Michiana region, Jordan Automotive is offering up two complimentary tickets and two Four Winds Field food vouchers to teachers and administrators to catch the South Bend Cubs take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Both food vouchers are good for one hot dog, a bag of chips, and a fountain soda. 600 food vouchers will be available.

All teachers at Four Winds Field will be honored by the South Bend Cubs in the middle of the third inning when they will be asked to stand and be recognized by everyone else in attendance.

Teachers and administrators can pick up their two complimentary tickets by showing their school ID at the Four Winds Field box office. The box office is open during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekend game days (Saturday 12 p.m. until the 7th inning and Sunday 10 a.m. until the 7th inning).

Fans attending the game will also be treated to a special Wednesday night post-game fireworks show.

The South Bend Cubs and Jordan Automotive look forward to honoring all teachers from Michiana for their hard work and dedication with a fun night of baseball at Four Winds Field.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

South Bend Cubs and Legacy Heating & Air to Provide Free Tickets to United States Military

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SOUTH BEND, IN – In what is always a marquee pair of days at Four Winds Field, the South Bend Cubs will once again host Military Appreciation Weekend on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 as the Cubs face off with the Great Lakes Loons. As presented by Legacy Heating & Air, the organization will devote Memorial Day Weekend to honoring our heroes.

By displaying their Military Identification Card, active military members and veterans can receive two free tickets to either Saturday or Sunday’s game. Those wishing to head to the ballpark that weekend can pick up their tickets at the Four Winds Field Box Office.

“I speak for our entire front office when I say that Military Appreciation Weekend is one that we look forward to every season,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do on the field and in the stands without these brave men and women serving to protect us all. The two complimentary tickets are just a small token of our appreciation, and we’ll look forward to appropriately honoring all of the active military and veterans that join us.”

“We are proud to partner with the South Bend Cubs in an effort to express our gratitude to those in uniform serving today and those who have served in the past,” Legacy Heating & Air President Tony Cook said. “We thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country. It is the home of the free because of the brave.”

To join in thanking and honoring all military members at Four Winds Field on Memorial Day Weekend, purchase your tickets online by clicking here or calling 574-235-9988.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

Four Winds Field to Host Vaccination Clinic on April 10

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SOUTH BEND, IN – Beacon Health Systems and Saint Joseph Health Systems are teaming up with the South Bend Cubs to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Four Winds Field prior to the game on Sunday, April 10.

Health officials will be on hand to administer the vaccine as well as 1st and 2nd booster shots. Anyone interested can pre-register for the vaccine by visiting www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/. Pre-registration is advised but walk-ups are welcome. Everyone who receives the vaccine will receive a free ticket to the game on April 10 or a voucher that can be exchanged for any other game in April.

Those who sign up for the vaccine must report to the check in table located outside of Gate A on the 3rd base side of the stadium.

“We’re always trying to find ways to help serve and give back to the community and that’s why we’re happy to partner with Beacon Health Systems and Saint Joseph Health Systems to provide vaccine and booster shots this Sunday,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “It’s something we can do to help make sure the vaccine reaches as many people in Michiana as it can.”

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,787,528.00 and 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Tennessee Smokies Announce Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for June 18

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SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will host its Smokies Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run at Smokies Stadium on June 18, 2022 at 8:00am. Early packet pick-up will take place on June 17, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm inside The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill.

The Smokies Trot 5K will begin at Smokies Stadium, continue onto roads surrounding the stadium, and finish with runners rounding the bases and crossing home plate.

Registration for the race will open at 9:00am on April 1 and will be $30. The registration fee will increase closer to the event. The fee for the 1 Mile Fun Run will be $25. Participants may register in teams or individually. Registrants will receive a Smokies Trot 5K t-shirt and a field level ticket voucher good for any June 2022 Smokies home game.

Age groups for the event will include 16U male, 16U female, 17-29 male, 17-29 female, 30-39 male, 30-39 female, 40-49 male, 40-49 female, 50-59 male, 50-59 female, 60+ male, and 60+ female.

The top three overall male and female winners will receive a custom Tennessee Smokies full size wood baseball bat. Age group winners in the 5K will receive a Smokies Trot medal.

During and after the event, beer and concessions will be available for purchase.

For full details on the Smokies Trot 5K please visit smokiesbaseball.com/5K. To register for the race, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Kodak/SmokiesTrot5k . Please direct any questions to [email protected].

The full schedule for this season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

South Bend Cubs to Offer Peanut-Free Suite on May 6

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*For Immediate Release *

SOUTH BEND, IN – On Friday, May 6, the South Bend Cubs will provide a peanut-free indoor suite for fans who are allergic to peanuts.

In conjunction with the Michiana Food Allergy Support Group, the South Bend Cubs have created a peanut-free environment for kids of all ages for the past 6 seasons. According to Erica Andert, the founder and leader of the Support Group, families come in from as far as Indianapolis and Chicago to enjoy Cubs games in a nut-free environment.

“The South Bend Cubs do a great job making sure that every inch of the suite is allergen free, we’re excited to bring families with Peanut allergies back out to Four Winds Field and experience a baseball game,” said Andert.

Approximately 85 million Americans are impacted by food allergies and intolerance, including 32 million who have a potentially life-threatening condition, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). That number includes 5.6 million American children under the age of 18. Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies and, leading cause for anaphylaxis which can cause death among children according to studies funded by FARE.

“We forget that peanut allergies are such a major challenge now for a lot of kids especially…and what ballpark doesn’t sell peanuts?” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “At least for that one particular day [kids with peanut allergies] can come out to Four Winds Field and know that they’re getting to experience what their friends get to experience… It gives you the sense that this is something really good that we’re doing, and we’re giving kids the opportunity to be a kid that day.”

Executive chef Scott Craig and his staff go through a rigorous quality control process to ensure that there is absolutely no contact or cross-contamination from peanuts during the food preparing process.

The Peanut-Free Suite costs $25 per person. Space is limited to the first 40 fans. The $25 package includes a game ticket, South Bend Cubs hat and ballpark buffet featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda. Tickets are on sale now and guests interested in purchasing tickets can call the South Bend Cubs at (574)-235-9988 or stop by the Four Winds Field Box Office.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 32 seasons, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill. More information is available at www.SouthBendCubs.com.

Tennessee Smokies to Host Second Job Fair on March 19th

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SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the club will be hosting a second Job Fair at Smokies Stadium on Saturday, March 19 from 10:00am until 2:00pm. When arriving please enter at The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill Restaurant located on the left side of the parking lot.

The job fair will feature positions from many departments with part-time and seasonal positions within Smokies Stadium. The Tennessee Smokies are looking for employees who are able to work all home games and additional events as needed inside Smokies Stadium. Most games are held during evening hours of the week and many weekends.

Available departments include new hires for food and beverage, ticketing, production, promotions, merchandise, and stadium operations.

Food and Beverage is looking to fill positions for cooks, cashiers, runners, servers, picnic attendants, and group area attendants. Other available positions in the Restaurant include cooks, servers, bartenders, and hosts.

Ticketing is looking to fill positions for ticket sellers and group area attendants.

Promotions and Production are looking to fill positions for mascots, rally crew promotion team members, camera operators, and press box personnel.

Merchandise is looking to fill team store representatives.

Stadium Operations is looking to fill positions in first aid, ushers, and kid zone attendants.

Most Smokies Stadium positions require a person to stand and walk for extended periods of time, as well as run, sit, navigate stairs, kneel, or crouch. Prospective employees may also be asked to occasionally lift and/or move up to approximately 25 pounds and be exposed to various weather conditions and noise levels.

The Smokies will commence their 2022 home opener against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday, April 8, 2022. Season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES

The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Double-A South League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.

Registration is Open for the 2022 Meijer Baseball Academy 

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For Immediate Release

SOUTH BEND, IN – The Meijer Baseball Academy is back for 2022 and registration is now open. Two sessions will be held for the summer camp at Four Winds Field; the first of which will run from July 6-8 and the second from July 27-29. Both camps start on a Wednesday and end on a Friday.

“Last year we sold out the Meijer camp and this year we’re really excited to be hosting two camps,” said South Bend Cubs Assistant General Manager for Marketing and Media Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “It’s great because the campers not only have a blast but they improve their skills on the field, and the players just love being out there with them. It’s one of their favorite parts of the year.”

Over the course of the three-day camp, participants will learn fundamentals about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running. Registration is open to kids ages 6-to-12. Due to the high number of participants, and to provide proper instruction, each Baseball Academy session is capped at 80 kids.

Every participant will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Attendees from the first camp will receive tickets for the game on July 7 and campers from the second session will receive tickets for July 28. All Meijer Baseball Academy campers will take part in a pre-game recognition on the field. The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125 per child.

Check-in for the first day (July 6 or July 27) of the session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m. and pickup at noon. The deadline to register for either camp is June 6. To sign up, visit www.SouthBendCubs.com/BaseballAcademy and click on the session register button under Session 1 or Session 2. Payments can be mailed or dropped off at the South Bend Cubs main office at Four Winds Field. Registration is not complete until payment has been received.

The same skills are taught at both camps and parents only need to register for one session.

Through the South Bend Cubs Facebook and Twitter pages, Meijer will hold a contest to award free admission to two lucky winners. Contest details will be available on the Cubs social media pages in May.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Now Accepting National Anthem Submissions

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FANS CAN SUBMIT A VIDEO AUDITION FOR A CHANCE TO PERFORM AT PELICANS BALLPARK THIS SEASON

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are now accepting online National Anthem auditions for the 2022 season. Fans can submit their video HERE. All ages are welcome to submit, however, a submission does not guarantee a spot to perform during the season.

Vocalists, musicians and groups are welcome to submit. Please note that all vocalists must sing without a music track. Additionally, all performances must be 90 seconds or less. Submissions will be accepted through March 27 at midnight.

For more information, please contact the Pelicans Front Office at 843-918-6000.

The Pelicans’ 2022 season will begin on April 12 against the Augusta GreenJackets. Season tickets are available now. For more information visit MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, call (843) 918-6000, or visit the Pelicans Front Office.

Black History Month: The Top 5 Black Players in South Bend History

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South Bend has a long history of getting players to the big leagues and in honor of Black History Month and Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative (which is a Black-community focused outreach platform designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact of Black baseball pioneers made on the sport) here’s our look at the top five Black players in our franchise history to make it to the MLB.

1) Mike Cameron

The former centerfielder from La Grange, Ga. was drafted in the 18th round of the 1991 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. Cameron played a whopping 17 years in the MLB and took the field with eight MLB franchises, ultimately playing his final game with the Marlins in 2011. He spent the entirety of the 1993 season in South Bend with the then Silver Hawks, playing in 122 games and batting .238.

1997 was his first full season in the big leagues and he blew past expectations, finishing sixth in AL Rookie of the Year voting (an award won by Nomar Garciaparrra). Four years later as a member of the Seattle Mariners, Cameron put up the best numbers of any season in his career. His .353 OBP, .480 SLG, 25 homers, 110 RBIs and his stellar glove in centerfield were rewarded with a trip to the All-Star Game, a gold glove and a 16th place finish for AL MVP. Cammy was a human highlight reel over four years with the Mariners, providing fans with jaw-dropping highway robberies in center like this…

Or this…

But don’t discount his hitting prowess. Cameron launched 278 career homers and had one of the best offensive performances in MLB history when he homered in four-straight at-bats on May 2, 2002 vs the White Sox.

Incredibly three of those homers came with two strikes and all of them traveled over 405 feet.

When his career was all said and done Cameron had won three gold gloves, appeared in an All-Star Game, accumulated 24 or more homers in five seasons, finished with a .444 career slugging percentage and tallied a .338 on-base percentage. Baseball Reference ranks him 35th all-time among centerfielders in WAR.

2) Justin Upton

Upton was named the USA Today Player of the Year and the National Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year at Great Bridge High School in Virginia. After his senior year he was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, signing for $6.1 million.

The 18-year-old, drafted as a shortstop, spent his entire first pro season with the South Bend Silver Hawks. He picked up 115 hits in 113 games and finished the year with a slash line of .263/.343/.413, plus 12 homers and 66 RBIs. At the end of the regular season he led the team in doubles (28) and finished second on the team in homers, walks (52) and stolen bases (15). South Bend is where Upton first played competitively and consistently in the outfield, logging 105 games in centerfield and the other eight at DH.

Upton made his MLB debut in 2007 and 2022 will mark his 16th season in the bigs. Even with all the pressure of being a number one pick, Upton achieved tremendous success: four All-Star appearances, three Silver Slugger awards and a top five in MVP in 2011. He’s currently on his fifth team and this will be his sixth year in Los Angeles with the Angels, as he enters the final year of his five year/$106 million contract.

Justin’s older brother B.J. played 12 years in the MLB and was selected with the number two overall pick three years prior to Justin going first in the draft.

Justin sits 59th all time in career WAR among left fielders.

3) Scott Hairston

Hairston comes from quite the baseball pedigree. His brother Jerry played 16 years in the MLB, his father (also Jerry) spent 14 years in the MLB, his uncle John played three games with the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and his grandfather Sam played five years in the Negro leagues and one in the MLB. In fact when John debuted with the Cubs that marked the first ever father-son duo to appear in the majors. Three generations of Hairstons graced MLB diamonds, but none had the historical impact as Scott’s grandpa.

Sam Hairston was a two-time All-Star in the Negro American League with the Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns. In 1950 Sam won the triple crown with the Clowns, batting .424 with17 long balls and 71 RBIs (in 70 games no less). The White Sox signed him with one month left in the NAL season and those triple crown numbers held out. On July 21, 1951 nearly two months after Minnie Miñoso (a native of Havana, Cuba) broke the White Sox color barrier, Sam became the first African-American to ever play for the White Sox.

Scott’s career wasn’t historic like Sam’s but it did span 11 seasons in the MLB. He was selected in the third round in 2001 by the Diamondbacks and would go on to produce respectable numbers: seven seasons with double digit home runs, a lifetime .442 slugging percentage and a career on-base plus slugging of .738. He also became the 10th Met to ever hit for the cycle.

Scott played in 109 games with South Bend in 2002 and amassed a slash line of .333/.426/.564 in 109 games, with 16 homers, 72 RBIs and 131 hits.

4) James Baldwin (No not the famous writer)

Just like Hairston, Baldwin played 11 seasons in the MLB. A fourth rounder in the 1990 draft by the White Sox, he debuted with the “South Siders” in 1995 and spent his first seven big league seasons with the team that drafted him. In 1995 during a spring training intrasquad game Baldwin became the first pitcher to face Michael Jordan. In 1996 the right-hander went 11-6 with a 4.42 ERA in 169 innings and finished second behind Derek Jeter for Rookie of the Year. Four years later his 14-7 record helped him garner his first and lone All-Star Game appearance. His final season was split between the Orioles and Rangers in 2005 at the age of 33. He finished with a career mark of 79-74 and a 5.01 ERA.

In 1994 Baseball America ranked Baldwin as the number eight prospect in baseball, two years prior was the lone season you could’ve seen him trotting around the ballpark in South Bend. That season as a 20 year old he tore up the Midwest League to the tune of a 2.42 ERA in 137.2 IP. Across 21 starts he only allowed 37 earned runs and had 137 Ks compared to 45 walks.

5) Keon Broxton

Broxton made a massive leap in seemingly no time, going from a 29th round pick by the Phillies out of high school in 2008 to a third rounder the following year by the Dbacks. He didn’t make his big league debut until 2015 with the Pirates and from 2009-2013 he spent each season in the Arizona farm system. In Broxton’s second MiLB season he played 133 games with South Bend, picking up 121 hits (5 HR) and tying the Midwest League record with 19 triples. The following year he started the year with South Bend and appeared in 20 games before his promotion to high-A Visalia to replace the injured Adam Eaton.

Broxton has played 5 years in the MLB with his best season coming as a rookie in 2016 with Milwaukee where he played 75 games and slashed .242/.354/.430, went 23-for-27 stealing bases and cranked nine homers. The following season he played a career-high 143 games and clobbered a career-high 20 homers. He is currently on a minor league deal with the Brewers and finished last season in AAA Nashville.

If you haven’t gotten to see him play let me just tell you he had a proclivity for robbing home runs with Milwaukee (especially in the ninth). But don’t just take my word for it…

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cx9xQCEf10s&feature=oembed

Honorable mention to Rodney McCray who made the most ridiculous, preposterous, unbelievable…ah just watch with your own eyeballs…