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.

Nominate A Local Hero To Be Celebrated By The TinCaps

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The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource LLC and Steel Dynamics Inc., are saluting our local heroes throughout the 2022 season and need your help!

The team is seeking nominations for military (active duty and veterans), first responders, healthcare workers, and educators to be honored as our “Hero of the Game” at Parkview Field.

Selected nominees will receive VIP treatment. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, plus in-game recognition.

If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see recognized, click here to enter a nomination.

Questions can be directed to TinCaps Assistant Director of Marketing & Promotions Morgan Olson at [email protected].

Regardless of the status of MLB’s lockout, the TinCaps are set to begin their 2022 season at Dayton on April 8. Opening Day at Parkview Field is Tuesday, April 12 (6:35 p.m.) against the South Bend Cubs. Tickets to all games are on sale at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

Click here for the team’s 2022 promotional schedule, including Military Appreciation Day presented by OmniSource, Steel Dynamics, and the San Diego Padres, on Sunday, June 26 (1:05 p.m.). Complimentary tickets for that game are available to military families at this link.

Black History Month: Top Players in Fort Wayne’s Franchise History

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne’s Black baseball history dates back to at least the 1880s. Over the years, the Summit City hosted Hall of Fame players like Hank Aaron, Rube Foster, Smokey Joe Williams, and Sol White. Fort Wayne was even the site for Game 4 of the 1932 Negro League World Series. You can find out more about that rich history here. But meanwhile, it’s also fitting that in the modern era of Minor League Baseball in Fort Wayne, the legacy of those legends lives on.

Indiana native LaTroy Hawkins was a member of the inaugural Fort Wayne Wizards in 1993. Not only did the right-hander from Gary go on to become the first player in the organization’s history to reach the big leagues when he debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 1995, he also put together one of the most respected careers in MLB history. Hawkins ranks 10th all-time in career appearances for a pitcher with 1,042 games pitched across 21 seasons in The Show with 11 clubs. He was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2021 class.

Hawkins set the tone for his prolific career during his first full professional season in ’93 as he won the Midwest League’s pitching triple crown, leading the circuit in ERA (2.06), strikeouts (179), and wins (15). “Hawk” established Fort Wayne franchise records that still stand nearly 30 years later for ERA, strikeouts, complete games (4), and shutouts (3).

Hawkins remains very involved in the game today in a variety of ways, such as coaching, broadcasting, and advocating on behalf of The Players Alliance, which works to improve representation of Black Americans in all levels of baseball.

Fun Fact: LaTroy is Patrick Mahomes’ godfather.

Follow: @LaTroyHawkins32 on Twitter & Instagram

Check out the video below as LaTroy reminisces about his season in Fort Wayne.

A season after Hawkins established the standard for Fort Wayne pitchers, the franchise was fortunate to have Torii Hunter do the same for position players. Hunter, a first-round selection of the Twins out of high school, was only 18 years old for most of his time as a Wizard. Nevertheless, despite being a few years younger than most of his competition, he more than held his own, slashing a .293 batting average / .358 on-base percentage / .439 slugging percentage (.796 OPS). During his days at the old Memorial Stadium, Hunter also showcased his amazing ability as an outfielder. Take a look back at some highlights.

Hunter went on to reach the big leagues with the Twins by the age of 21 in 1997. He was selected as an American League All-Star five times and won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 2001-09, playing for the Angels and Tigers as well. Hunter has been included on the last two National Baseball Hall of Fame ballots, and will be again next year, too.

Fun Fact: In 2018, former Notre Dame wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. played at Parkview Field against the TinCaps with the Burlington Bees (then an Angels affiliate).

Torii Sr. is still staying busy today, in part by running restaurants.

Follow: @toriihunter48 on Twitter & @tnutts48 on Instagram

Will Venable originally went to Princeton to play basketball. While he was a First Team All-Ivy League guard who played in March Madness, as a sophomore, he joined the baseball team, too. Eventually, he was a seventh-round pick of the Padres in 2005 and assigned to Fort Wayne the following year.

The left-handed hitting outfielder put together one of the best seasons in franchise history. Venable slashed .314 / .389 / .477 (.866 OPS). His 91 RBIs that year set a franchise record that’s only been passed by one player since (Fernando Perez, 95 in 2014). Beyond that, in terms of club history, Venable ranks fourth in average, fifth in OPS, sixth in slugging, and 10th in on-base. He was a 2006 Midwest League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star.

Venable’s success continued as he debuted with San Diego in 2008. With the Pads into 2015, Venable finished ninth in the National League in stolen bases twice, while he was top eight in triples four times. He also played for the Rangers in 2015 and finished his playing career with the Dodgers in 2016.

In short order, Venable has become one of the top rising young coaches in MLB. He served as the Cubs’ first base coach in 2018 and ’19 before moving to third base coach in ’20. The upcoming season will be his second as bench coach for the Red Sox.

Fun Fact: His father, Max, who also played in the majors, was his hitting coach in Fort Wayne in 2006… By the way, the only other student-athlete in Ivy League history to be First Team all-conference in both baseball and basketball is Chris Young, who was teammates with Will at Princeton. Young, a pitcher, also spent part of his career with the Padres and now is the General Manager of the Texas Rangers.

Joe Ross was a first-round pick of the Padres out of high school in 2011. After spending part of the 2012 season in Fort Wayne as a teenager, he returned in ’13 to headline a loaded rotation that included fellow future MLB starters Max Fried (Braves) and Zach Eflin (Phillies).

Ross got the Opening Day start and rolled from there, earning Midwest League All-Star status.

He made his big league debut with the Nationals in 2015. The righty from Northern California, who pitched in the Midwest League Playoffs in both of his seasons as a TinCap, started Game 5 of the 2019 World Series, as Washington went on to win the title.

Fun Fact: Joe’s older brother, Tyson, also pitched in the majors. Their mother, Jean, is an emergency room nurse, while their father, Willie, is a doctor.

Follow: @JoeRoss21 on Twitter & [@jross21](https://www.instagram.com/jross21/)_

While Ross was on the mound, Mallex Smith, at just 19 years old, was Fort Wayne’s leadoff batter on Opening Day in 2013. Smith homered in his Midwest League debut, though his game is more about speed than power. The lightning fast outfielder had a solid ’13 campaign, highlighted by stealing 64 bases — just one shy of tying the franchise record. (Smith accomplished that in 110 games compared to Rymer Liriano and Jeremy Owens swiping 65 in 116 and 129 games, respectively.)

The Padres reassigned Smith to the TinCaps to begin the following year. He then found another gear, as his average, on-base percentage, and slugging all rose significantly. Midway through the season, the center fielder had stolen 48 bases in 64 games, prior to a promotion to High-A. The effervescent Floridian capped off his Fort Wayne career in the Midwest League All-Star Game, where he also won the “Lost Art of the Bunt Contest” that was held by the West Michigan Whitecaps in lieu of a home run derby. He finished the year leading all players in both Minor League and Major League Baseball in stolen bags with 88 in 119 games.

Later, Smith made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2016. He hasn’t slowed down. After time with the Rays, Smith led the big leagues in stolen bases in 2019 with 46 for the Mariners. He spent the 2021 season in the minors for the Blue Jays and remains under contract with Toronto.

Fun Fact: Believe it or not, in the story below, Mallex says he’s not even the fastest runner in his immediate family. He’s credited his base-stealing and hitting success, in part, to writing scouting reports on pitchers in a marble notebook.

Also Of Note

The Wizards and TinCaps have had many more outstanding Black players, including outfielder Matt Lawton (1993), a two-time MLB All-Star… Kyle Blanks (2006), a Midwest League All-Star who went on to play for the Padres, A’s, and Rangers… Keyvius Sampson (2011), a Midwest League All-Star who’s pitched for the Reds.

Who’s Next

Shortstop CJ Abrams (2019) is the top Padres prospect, and ranked by MLB.com as the No. 6 prospect in all of baseball… Infielder Xavier Edwards (2019) was a Midwest League All-Star and now ranks as the No. 70 overall prospect in the sport as a member of the Rays’ farm system… Outfielder Joshua Mears is considered the top power-hitting prospect for the Padres. The 21-year-old grew up in the state of Washington and was committed to play collegiately at Purdue before being drafted and signing with San Diego. He’s projected to call Parkview Field home in 2022… Outfielder James Woods was San Diego’s second draft pick in 2021 and is already regarded as a top five prospect for the Pads. He could be a TinCap in the next year or two.

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.

Indians to Host Open Interviews for Game Day Employees on Wednesday, Feb. 23

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INDIANAPOLIS – With Opening Day for the 2022 season less than two months away, the Indianapolis Indians today announced that applications are now being accepted for a variety of game day roles at Victory Field. The Indians will hold open interviews at The Vic on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 3-8:30 PM.

Seasonal positions open for hire include guest relations ambassadors, kid zone game operators, merchandise associates, parking attendants, Rowdie Crew, stadium porters, ticket sellers, ticket takers and ushers.

Descriptions and applications for every open position can be found at IndyIndians.com/Employment.

Free parking is available in the Victory Field parking lot. Enter the ballpark through the administration entrance and be prepared to complete an application and in-person interview. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Interviews will take place on Suite Level.

The Indians’ 75-game home schedule gets underway Tuesday, April 5 at 7:05 PM against the Omaha Storm Chasers.

“Our game day staff plays a huge role in assisting and welcoming fans at Victory Field while making our fan experience second to none,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “We plan to deliver another season full of ballpark memories and will do so through the excellent customer service our staff members provide.”

Full season, half season and mini plans are on sale, and group and premium reservations can also be made. For more on the Indians, visit IndyIndians.com or contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or [email protected].

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…

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

South Bend Cubs Hiring for the 2022 Season 

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SOUTH BEND, IN – Four Winds Field is more than a destination, it’s an experience and the South Bend Cubs are looking for detail oriented and guest service minded individuals to help create that experience. Applications are now being accepted to fill open gameday positions for the 2022 season. Those interested can visit SouthBendCubs.com and complete the online application or fill out an application at the South Bend Cubs main office.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND APPLY TO ALL OPEN POSITIONS

Two open job fairs will also be held on Tuesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. inside the Pepsi Stadium Club at Four Winds Field. When arriving please enter through the double glass doors located next to the box office, just off South Street. Applicants can park in Lots A or B off of Taylor Street.

Like last year, the online application has been designed with mobile devices in mind, making it accessible and easy to complete. All applications will be reviewed by the South Bend staff and those whose qualifications match the desired needs will be contacted to set up an interview. Those attending the job fair can fill out a paper application on-site.

Some of the available positions for the 2022 season include box office attendant, stadium support services, fun zone attendant, promotions team member, parking lot attendant, and hospitality host (usher). Professional Sports Catering, the food & beverage supplier for the South Bend Cubs, are also looking to fill positions for 2022 including bartender, concessions stand supervisor, venue server, and server. Most positions require a person to walk and stand for extended periods of time and may occasionally be asked to lift or move up to 25 pounds. Please see each job description for a list of duties and requirements.

The 2022 season kicks off at Four Winds Field on Friday, April 8 as the South Bend Cubs host the Quad Cities River Bandits for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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 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.

Black History Month: Indy Celebrates Indians, Clowns and ABCs History

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In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club or play for a team within its market.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Clowns and Indianapolis ABCs.

Andrew McCutchen

After being selected by Pittsburgh as the 11th overall pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, it took just two years for outfielder Andrew McCutchen to rise from rookie ball to Triple-A. Following a brief 17-game showing with Indianapolis in 2007 in which he hit .313, he paced the 2008 Indians in batting average (.283), hits (145), doubles (26) and OPS (.770) while finishing second in stolen bases (34) to earn himself a spot on the International League midseason All-Star team and a selection to the Futures Game.

Despite the stellar season, the budding five-tool superstar found himself in Indy once again to start the 2009 campaign. He hit safely in 17 of his last 20 games in an Indians uniform, compiling a .368 average, nine extra-base hits, 11 RBI and 16 runs scored during the stretch. He then broke into the majors with Pittsburgh on June 4 and collected two hits, three runs scored, one RBI and a stolen base in his MLB debut, and never looked back. He has become a five-time National League All-Star (2011-15), four-time Silver Slugger (2012-15), Gold Glove Award winner (2012) and MVP (2013). His NL MVP honor made him just the sixth former Indian to win an MVP Award and the first since Hall of Famer Larry Walker in 1997.

In addition to his numerous on-the-field accolades, McCutchen was presented with the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015, given annually to an MLB player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.”

Razor Shines

A name synonymous with Indianapolis Indians baseball, Razor Shines played in over 800 games for the Indians across nine seasons (1984-89, 1991-93). Shines’ best season with Indianapolis came in 1984, his first campaign in the Circle City, when he had 26 doubles, 18 home runs and 80 RBI to earn Team MVP honors. Overall, his longevity and success has him among Indy’s all-time leaders in home runs (T-3rd, 68), RBI (4th, 404) and doubles (5th, 138).

While he only saw brief major league action in parts of four seasons, Shines played a huge role in guiding Indianapolis to American Association supremacy throughout the 1980s. He was part of four American Association pennant-winning teams (1984, ’86, 1988-89) and contributed to four consecutive AA postseason championships (1986-89). His image and likeness will forever be connected to the baby-blue Montreal Expos uniform era of dominance in Indianapolis Indians history.

Shines served as a player-coach for Indy in 1993, the final year of his playing career, and attended the final game played at Bush Stadium on July 3, 1996. He managed and coached for various minor and major league teams (White Sox, 2007; Mets, 2009-10) up through 2015. Shines most recently returned to Indianapolis in August 2019 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Indians 1989 American Association championship during Fan Appreciation Weekend.

Minnie Miñoso

After three years with the New York Cubans of the Negro National League, two of which he was named an All-Star, Minnie Miñoso made his major league debut with Cleveland on April 19, 1949, at 23 years old. Following the Golden Days Era Committee vote in December 2021, he will become the 13th former Indianapolis Indian enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 17 major league seasons, Miñoso – nicknamed the Cuban Comet – consistently ranked among American League leaders, topping the AL three times in stolen bases (1951-53) and triples (1951, ’54, ’56), and once in total bases (1954), doubles (1957) and hits (1960). The nine-time All-Star (1951-54, ‘57, 1959-60 [midseason and postseason]) and three-time Gold Glove Award winner (1957, 1959-60) finished fourth in AL MVP voting four times, the first coming in his first full MLB season when he also finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

Miñoso, at age 38, appeared in 52 games with Indianapolis – then-affiliate of Chicago (AL) – in 1964. He hit .264 (47-for-178) with 11 doubles, four home runs, 26 RBI and six stolen bases. It was his first trip back to the minor leagues since 1950 with Triple-A San Diego. He was inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 and received 14 votes from the 16-member Golden Days Era Committee on Dec. 5, 2021, to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Miñoso, who died on March 1, 2015, will be officially inducted posthumously in the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 on July 24 in Cooperstown.

Hank Aaron

In 23 years in Major League Baseball, Hank Aaron became known as one of the best to ever step foot on a diamond. He hammered – a good testament to his well-known nickname, Hammerin’ Hank – 755 home runs over the course of his lengthy major league career, with an MLB-leading 44 in 1957 when he was voted National League MVP. He is the current record holder for career RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856) over 3,298 games. He spent 21 of his 23 MLB seasons with the Braves, from Milwaukee to Atlanta where he died in 2021. However, that’s not where his career began.

As an 18-year-old, Aaron spent 26 official games donning an Indianapolis Clowns uniform. That’s according to The Howe Sports Bureau, because those stats can seldom be found anywhere else. In those games, he hit .366 with five home runs, 33 RBI, 41 hits and nine stolen bases – numbers that do not count toward his career MLB totals.

Over his career, he led MLB four times in RBI (1957, ’60, ’63 and ’66) and total bases (1957, 1959-60, ’63), three times in slugging percentage and OPS (1959, ’63, and ’71), twice in total hits (1956, ’59) and runs (1963 and ’67), and once in batting average (1959), not to mention the seasons in which he just led the National League. In addition to his 1957 NL MVP Award – the year in which he led the Milwaukee Braves to a World Series title over the Yankees – he was named an All-Star 25 times over 21 consecutive seasons from 1955-75, earned MVP votes 19 consecutive seasons from 1955-73 and won three Gold Glove Awards (1958-60).

Oscar Charleston

Hall of Famer Oscar Charleston’s long and historic career began in his hometown of Indianapolis. After working as the batboy for the Indianapolis ABCs as a child and spending his mid-to-late teenage years serving in World War I, Charleston hit cleanup for the ABCs in 1920, the first year of the National Negro League.

Nicknamed the Hoosier Comet, Charleston led the league with 122 hits, 80 runs scored and 11 triples that season. After a year away, he returned to Indianapolis in ’22 and continued to flash his speed and just a hint of power. He led the league in almost every offensive category that season, setting career highs in games played (101), runs scored (105), total hits (150), triples (18) and RBI (102). In 18 years with seven different teams, Charleston played in 916 games and hit .364 with 80 triples, 143 home runs, 853 RBI and 209 stolen bases.

During his playing career Charleston also served as manager of the Harrisburg Giants (1924-26), Hilldale Club (1929), the Pittsburgh Crawfords-turned Toledo/Indianapolis Crawfords (1933-40) and Philadelphia Stars (1941). He managed the Stars in 1948 at the age of 51 and came out of retirement in 1954 to manage the Indianapolis Clowns, a team that featured two women – Connie Morgan and Mamie “Peanut” Johnson – on its roster.

Other Black players who played for the Indians or in the Indianapolis market and narrowly missed top five recognition include George Foster, Ken Griffey Sr., Eric Davis, Hal McRae, Don Buford, Dallas Williams and Larry Raines.

South Bend Cubs Now Accepting Submissions for 2022 National Anthem Performances

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

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are now accepting auditions to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to all home games at Four Winds Field for the 2022 season, presented by Kountry Cabinets & Home Furnishings. Individuals, bands, choirs, and groups and invited to participate.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NATIONAL ANTHEM AUDITION

Like previous years, all auditions must be submitted in video form. Audio files, tapes, or CDs will not be accepted. Videos can be submitted as a video link such as YouTube or Google Drive or sent via transfer websites like Dropbox, TransferNow or WeTransfer. Auditions recorded via mobile devices or professional performances are acceptable. There will not be any in-person auditions for 2022.

New this season is the digital application, which can be found here. Please include your video link at the bottom of the digital application. Those who cannot complete the digital application may submit a paper copy by clicking here. Paper applications must be submitted with the video audition and emailed to [email protected].

Performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” are not to exceed two minutes. All vocal auditions must be performed a cappella (no musical accompaniment). Instrumental performances will be accepted. Those who audition in groups must include all members in the audition video.

The deadline to submit National Anthem auditions is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Once submitted, auditions will go through a careful judging process. National Anthem performance opportunities are extremely limited and not guaranteed. Due to the volume of submissions, the South Bend Cubs do not guarantee a response. All submissions will be reviewed. Should your submission be of interest to the Cubs, you will be contacted via the information provided with your e-mail.

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 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.

TinCaps Holding Mascot Tryouts

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

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps (Minor League Baseball’s High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres) are holding tryouts to be the team’s mascot for the upcoming 2022 season.

Auditions will be held at the team’s ballpark, Parkview Field, on Saturday, February 5 and Saturday, February 19 from 12 – 2 p.m. on both days.

The team is looking for friendly and energetic individuals to serve as Johnny TinCap, one of the most recognizable characters in not only the Fort Wayne area, but across all of Minor League Baseball. Previous experience as a mascot or entertainer is preferred, but not required.

This is a paid, seasonal, part-time position. Tryouts must be scheduled in advance by clicking here. TinCaps Community and Fan Engagement Manager Brenda Feasby will be in contact with those who submit the form to confirm the tryout date/time and other details.

Questions can be directed to Brenda by phone (260-407-2809) or email ([email protected]).

“These are big shoes to fill to be Johnny TinCap – figuratively and literally,” Feasby said. “Johnny plays a key role in helping create fun and meaningful experiences for our fans. And anyone who suits up as Johnny will certainly be a very valued and appreciated member of our TinCaps family.”

Click here for the TinCaps’ 2022 schedule, which includes 66 home games from April 12 – September 4. Team members are not expected to work all 66 games, though the more availability the better.

The TinCaps are also hiring for a variety of seasonal, part-time positions at Parkview Field. Those interested can apply at TinCapsJobs.com.

Season tickets and group outings are currently on sale, while tickets to single games will go on sale in mid-February (date to be announced soon).

Thanks in part to Johnny TinCap, Parkview Field has been rated by Stadium Journey as the No. 1 game-day experience for fans out of all 120 Minor League Baseball ballparks, including in 2021.

Swoop & Stu’s Reading Club Returns for 2022

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

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – With winter break over and many schools resuming class, the South Bend Cubs are proud to announce the return of Swoop & Stu’s Reading Club, presented by Indiana 811 and NIPSCO. Teachers and administrators have until February 7 to register.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR CLASS OR SCHOOL

Swoop and Stu’s Reading Club is an incentive-based reading program where teachers set goals for their students to match the reading levels in their classroom. Each goal corresponds with a base on a baseball diamond and intended to last four weeks. The program begins March 2 to coincide with National Read Across America Day established by the National Education Association (NEA).

Students will be rewarded with prizes from the South Bend Cubs and local businesses for each goal completed. After students complete all four bases, they will receive a complimentary ticket to a South Bend Cubs home game, valid for the school’s designated Reading Club Night.

Registration is open until February 7 with packets scheduled to be delivered to participating schools the week of February 21. South Bend Cubs mascots Stu and Swoop will make appearances to selected schools who participate in the program. Due to the number of requests, appearances are limited.

Teachers and administrators can contact South Bend Cubs Account Executive Kyle Vincent at [email protected] with questions or to sign up. Additional information can be found here.

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 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.

Special Olympics Indiana Teams Up With South Bend Cubs

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

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – The unofficial kickoff to the 2022 season begins with a special cause. The South Bend Cubs are teaming up with Special Olympics Indiana for the 6th Annual South Bend Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 26. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to register online.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR TO DONATE

All participants who raise the minimum $85.00 for Special Olympics Indiana will receive an official Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirt, with additional prizes and incentives offered to those who raise more. Individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to support the Polar Plunge by raising a minimum of $4,000 are eligible to be recognized as “Super Plungers.” Nineteen individuals earned this distinction in 2021.

The Polar Plunge has been Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraiser for the last 23 years, bringing together Hoosiers of all ages and backgrounds each winter to raise money and awareness by braving the elements and taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. All funds raised by the Polar Plunge directly benefit more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports.

“Special Olympics Indiana works to ensure that persons with intellectual disabilities are included, empowered, and recognized as contributing members of their communities,” said President & CEO of Special Olympics Indiana Jeff Mohler. “Special Olympics in Saint Joseph County is thriving. The COVID pandemic has slowed us. But it has not stopped us, thanks to our many community allies, including the South Bend Cubs and Andrew Berlin. Our athletes are on the basketball court. They are in the swimming pool. They are in fitness centers getting stronger, faster, better. More importantly, our athletes are in their communities making a difference. Join the South Bend Cubs and Special Olympics as we make a difference together.”

More than 3,000 individuals take the plunge in a typical year, Freezin’ for a Reason, to raise vital funds that make a lasting difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. To date, the Polar Plunge has generated more than $8.5 million in support of Special Olympics Indiana’s year-round programs and events, including more than $750,000 in 2021.

“Every year, the South Bend Polar Plunge grows and has become our unofficial kickoff party to the new baseball season,” said South Bend Cubs Assistant General Manager for Marketing & Media Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “Over the last five years, our South Bend plunge has raised nearly $100,000 for local Special Olympians. We are encouraging community leaders to join us in breaking the $100,000 mark by plunging or donating to the South Bend Cubs plunge page.”

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SOUTH BEND CUBS PLUNGE

Everyone who donates $20 or more to the South Bend Cubs plunge will be entered to win a special gameday ticket package; four tickets to a 2022 South Bend Cubs game, opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and to lead the 7th inning stretch.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a nonprofit organization that is a part of the global Special Olympics movement, using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. They are a sports organization that uses the power of sport as a catalyst for social change, working for more than 50 years to open hearts and minds toward people with intellectual disabilities and to create inclusive communities across the state. With the support of over 10,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Indiana provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 18,000 athletes and unified partners at no cost to the participants. Learn more by visiting www.soindiana.org.

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 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.

TinCaps Hiring for 2022 Season at Parkview Field

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

 

*FORT WAYNE, Ind. *— Want to work at America’s No. 1 Minor League Baseball ballpark? Now you can! With Opening Day at Parkview Field coming up on April 12, the Fort Wayne TinCaps are hiring part-time, seasonal team members for the 2022 season. Applications can be found at TinCapsJobs.com.

Available positions range from working in The Orchard Team Store to the concessions crew, ballpark sanitation, and even specialty roles like video production. See below for a full list.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

Parkview Field has perennially been rated as Minor League Baseball’s No. 1 ballpark for game-day experience, thanks in large part to the fan-first customer service provided by team members.

“We take great pride in valuing and appreciating our team members,” said TinCaps Community and Fan Engagement Manager Brenda Feasby. “We can’t wait to grow our TinCaps family and help create fun and meaningful experiences for our fans this season.”

The TinCaps, who were promoted as a franchise to be the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres in 2021, open their season at Parkview Field on April 12 against the South Bend Cubs. That’s the first of 66 home games for the ’Caps, whose final game of the season at Parkview Field is scheduled for September 4.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TEAM’S 2022 SCHEDULE

Team members aren’t expected to be available to work all 66 games. The TinCaps are flexible with scheduling. More than half of the full-time TinCaps staff began working for the organization as either a part-time, seasonal employee or intern before earning a promotion.

Job perks include an exclusive Team Member Appreciation Picnic and opportunities for recognition.

Questions about employment can be directed to the team’s Human Resources Administrator, Cathy Tinney: [email protected]tincaps.com. Candidates must meet age requirements and pass a background check. The TinCaps are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

2022 Fort Wayne TinCaps Part-Time Positions Available to Apply For

Food & Beverage

  • Back Counter
  • Bartender (21+)
  • Cashier (21+)
  • Cook (18+)
  • Dish Washer
  • Food/Snack Cart
  • Food Runner
  • Group Party/VIP Areas
  • Stocker
  • Wait Staff (19+)

General

  • Kids Zone Attendant
  • Parking Attendant
  • Team Store
  • Ticket Office

Specialty Roles

  • Ballpark Cleaning / Janitorial (Game Time / 3rd Shift)
  • Special Events (Non-Game Day Events; Hourly, Year-Round)
  • Video Production Crew
  • Bat Boy
  • Mascot & Mascot Handler

Notes:

• Must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Some positions require applicant to be older
• Applicants for positions that require being over 21 must be able to obtain a valid Indiana alcohol permit.
• Applicants under the age of 18 must have a valid work permit and completed parental permission form.

The TinCaps are also currently in the process of hiring a limited number of interns. Click here for more information on internships.

KIDS CLUB: Ornament Creation Contest

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

 

The TinCaps are in need of assistance decorating their Christmas tree at The Orchard Team Store at Parkview Field and the team is hoping that members of their Kids Club can help out!

Kids Club members are invited to drop off home-made ornaments at The Orchard.

Those who submit an ornament will receive 10% off in the store during their visit. All entrants will also be eligible to win a grand prize package that includes 2 tickets to a game during the 2022 TinCaps season, a TinCaps snow globe, and a $10 TinCaps gift card. (Click here for the team’s 2022 schedule and more information.)

Question? Contact TinCaps Merchandise Manager Emma Reese by email ([email protected]) or phone (260-407-2818).

The TinCaps Kids Club is FREE to join. Members must be age 12 or younger. Perks include invitations to VIP events like Johnny TinCap’s birthday party, special meet-and-greets, and more! Other exclusive opportunities for Kids Club Members involve giveaways and drawings open only to members for experiences such as being Honorary Bat Kid, Junior “PA” Announcer, or even throwing out a Ceremonial First Pitch. _Click here for more details and to register._

TinCaps Reading Program Ready for 2022

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

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Enrollment is now open for the 2022 Fort Wayne TinCaps Reading Program.

Educators can sign up at TinCapsReading.com.

The deadline to enroll in the program is Tuesday, December 7.

With the TinCaps Reading Program, educators work with students to set requirements and goals, such as a number of books to read, a number of pages to read, hours spent reading, etc. The TinCaps Reading Program, which comes at absolutely no cost for schools and students, can be used to supplement an existing curriculum.

Students who achieve their goals, rounding the bases to reach “home plate,” are rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a TinCaps game at Parkview Field on a select date, plus receive a voucher for a hot dog, a drink, and a special prize.

See below for a list of Reading Program game dates during the 2022 TinCaps season.

The TinCaps supply educators with the necessary materials to implement the program and distribute ticket order forms to students.

Teachers also receive a free game ticket, and can schedule an appearance at their school by the TinCaps’ mascot, Johnny.

For more than a decade, the TinCaps Reading Program has proven to be a fun way to encourage reading development across hundreds of schools around the region, benefitting thousands of students.

“As the son of a long-time educator myself, I’m very proud of the fact that we have one of the top literacy programs in the entire country among professional sports teams,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “This is completely free for schools. Especially given the challenges of the last couple years, now more than ever, it’s important for us to support our local teachers.”

Any questions about the TinCaps Reading Program can be directed to Blaine Jerome at 260-407-2837 or [email protected].

The TinCaps, who are the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres in Minor League Baseball, are scheduled to have their 2022 home opener on Tuesday, April 12 against the South Bend Cubs. Click here for the team’s full 66-game home schedule that features 25 fireworks nights.

In 2021, Parkview Field was rated the No. 1 game-day experience at the High-A level of Minor League Baseball and tied for No. 1 throughout all levels up through Triple-A.

2022 Spring Reading Program Dates

– Tuesday, April 12 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 13 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 14 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 15 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 16 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, April 17 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, April 26 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, April 27 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, April 28 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, April 29 (7:05 p.m.)

– Saturday, April 30 (1:05 p.m.)

– Sunday, May 1 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 17 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 18 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 19 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 20 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 21 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 22 (1:05 p.m.)

– Tuesday, May 24 (6:35 p.m.)

– Wednesday, May 25 (6:35 p.m.)

– Thursday, May 26 (7:05 p.m.)

– Friday, May 27 (7:05 p.m.)*

– Saturday, May 28 (6:35 p.m.)*

– Sunday, May 29 (1:05 p.m.)

*FIREWORKS NIGHT

NOTE: Unlike years past, there are NO midweek day games for the 2022 TinCaps Reading Program.