Register Now for the 2020 Meijer Baseball Academy

 

Open to kids ages 6 to 12, the Meijer Baseball Academy is a three-day camp, taught by South Bend Cubs players and coaches.

SOUTH BEND, IN – Registration is now open for the 2020 Meijer Baseball Academy, a baseball clinic taught by South Bend Cubs players and coaches. Two, three-day sessions will be held at Four Winds Field July 22-24 and August 5-7.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM AND WAIVER

“These camps are one of the highlights of the year for our players,” said South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “I’m in my sixth year of managing the Baseball Academy and every year, our players ask me to participate. They love being able to pass on what they have learned throughout their careers and help some of our more advanced academy members take their game to the next level.”

Over the course of the three-day camp, participants will learn 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 85 kids. Parents and guardians only need to register for one camp as the same skills are taught in both sessions.

All attendees will receive a Meijer Baseball Academy t-shirt, a South Bend Cubs hat, lunch after each day of camp, and four (4) tickets to a South Bend Cubs game where all academy campers will participate in a pre-game recognition on the field. The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child.

Check-in for the first day of each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with lunch at 11:50 a.m. The deadline to register for either camp is June 22. To sign up, download the application and wavier form by clicking here and email it to Marketing@SouthBendCubs.com. 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.

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

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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TinCaps Holding National Anthem Auditions for 2020 Season

Register for Tryouts at Parkview Field on Feb. 18, 20, and 22

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are set to host auditions to perform the National Anthem before a game at Parkview Field during the 2020 season.

Singers, instrumentalists, and groups are welcomed to try out. Auditions will be held at Parkview Field on Tuesday, Feb. 18 (4-6 p.m.), Thursday, Feb. 20 (4-6 p.m.), and Saturday, Feb. 22 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Those interested in trying out MUST schedule a tryout time in advance by contacting Sarah Kendall at 260-407-2808 or kendall@tincaps.com.

Note: In recent years, all tryout spots have been filled within 24-48 hours. Therefore, if interested in auditioning, schedule a tryout slot as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind, not everyone who tries out will earn an opportunity to perform before a game. Tryout participants will be evaluated by TinCaps staff members and local musicians.

Those who are selected to perform the National Anthem at one of the team’s 70 scheduled regular season games will receive four tickets to the game at which they perform. (Click here for the team’s 2020 schedule.)

Opening Day 2020 at Parkview Field is Monday, April 13 (6:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Cincinnati Reds-affiliated Dayton Dragons.

2020 TinCaps National Anthem Audition Key Details

– When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 (4-6 p.m.), Thursday, Feb. 20 (4-6 p.m.), Saturday, Feb. 22 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)

– Where: Parkview Field’s Suite Level Lounge

– Who to Contact to Schedule Tryout: Sarah Kendall (kendall@tincaps.com, 260-407-2808)

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

South Bend Cubs Welcome National Anthem Auditions for Upcoming 2020 Season

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Auditions and applications are now being accepted for individuals and groups to perform the National Anthem at Four Winds Field prior to a 2020 South Bend Cubs home game.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AUDITION FORM

Audition Requirements:

All auditions must be submitted as a video. Audio files, tapes, or CDs will not be accepted. Videos will be accepted as a downloadable file, video link such as YouTube or Google Drive, or DVD. Videos can also be recorded on a mobile device. The 2020 audition form must accompany your submission. Performances of the National Anthem 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.

Please send all electronic auditions to marketing@southbendcubs.com. Mailed auditions should be sent to South Bend Cubs, National Anthem Audition, 501 W South St. South Bend, IN 46601. Audition drop-offs can be submitted at the same address.

The last day to submit 2020 National Anthem auditions is Monday, March 2, 2020. Applicants are asked to submit their audition video via email or DVD by dropping off at the Four Winds Field main office. Once submitted, auditions will go through a careful judging process. Final decisions will be made in March and a member of the South Bend Cubs staff will reach out to those who have been selected.

The South Bend Cubs open the 2020 season at Four Winds Field on April 9 against the Lake County Captains. Opening Night will feature a special presentation celebrating the 2019 Midwest League Championship. Additional details on the celebration will be released in the coming weeks.

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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tribe Front Office Volunteers with Sand Creek Fourth Graders

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Today the Indianapolis Indians spent the day with the fourth graders of Sand Creek Elementary School. The Tribe front office volunteered their time teaching Junior Achievement’s JA In A Day curriculum on owning and operating a business.

Indianapolis Indians volunteers taught Junior Achievement’s hands-on, interactive curriculum to fourth grade students about personal finance, career paths, entrepreneurship and employability skills. A total of six classrooms participated from Sand Creek Elementary, impacting more than 120 students.

“The Indianapolis Indians fully support Junior Achievement’s mission of preparing Central Indiana youth for a future career, no matter the path,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “There’s nothing more important than an education. We’re committed to supporting the children in our community by volunteering and providing resources to help them grow into our leaders of tomorrow.”

“JA is thrilled to have established a strong partnership with the Indianapolis Indians to educate and inspire students to own their future success. This JA Day event is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of these young students in a single day,” said Jennifer Burk, JA’s President and CEO.

Indianapolis Indians season tickets, multi-game plans and tickets for groups are now available. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, February 28 at 10 AM.

To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

About the Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are the professional Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In continuous operation since 1902, the organization believes in creating affordable and memorable experiences for fans so they can grow closer together with family, friends and the community through the game of baseball. The Indians play their home games at Victory Field, a 13,750-seat ballpark located in downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park. The venue opened in 1996 and has received numerous national accolades as one of the best minor league ballparks in the United States. The team has led Minor League Baseball in combined total attendance over the past 10 seasons. In 2018, the organization was recognized as Ballpark Digest Team of the Year. It was also named a 2019 Best Places to Work by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Indianapolis Indians to Hold Open Interviews at Victory Field on Saturday, Feb. 8

 

INDIANAPOLIS – In preparation for the 2020 season, the Indianapolis Indians today announced that the organization and its concessionaire Aramark will host open interviews at Victory Field on Saturday, Feb. 8. The open interviews will run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with the Indians and Aramark looking to fill many game day and seasonal positions for the 70-game home schedule. The Tribe’s home opener is Thursday, April 9 against Toledo at 7:05 PM.

Game day and seasonal positions open for hire include bat boys/girls, field operations, game operations, guest relations, merchandise, porters, premium hospitality host, production/audio staff, ticket sellers, ticket takers, Tribe Team (game promotion staff) and ushers. Aramark game day positions open for hire include bartenders, concessions supervisors, dishwashers, food prep, grill cooks, kitchen supervisors, servers and utility/warehouse staff. Aramark applications will be posted on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Descriptions for all of the aforementioned positions 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, questionnaire and in-person interview. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Interviews will take place on the Impact Suite Level.

“Memories are made each summer at Victory Field, and our game day staff plays a key role in creating those positive experiences for our fans,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “We look forward to hosting open interviews and welcoming these potential new hires into our friendly, customer service-driven environment.”

Indianapolis Indians season tickets, multi-game plans and tickets for groups are now available. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 AM.

To purchase, visit IndyIndians.com or call the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

South Bend Cubs Now Accepting Job Applications for the 2020 Season

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Now is your chance to join a championship winning team! The South Bend Cubs are looking for energetic and customer service focused individuals to work at Four Winds Field this summer. Applications can be submitted through the online portal or by filling out an application at the South Bend Cubs main office.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The streamlined application, added last season, has been designed with mobile devices in mind, making it accessible and easy for anyone 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.

There are 15 different positions across eight departments that the South Bend Cubs are looking to fill. Some of the available positions include gameday ambassador, ticket seller, hospitality host, parking attendant, custodial services, fun zone employee, concessions team member, and more.

“The reason we have become a summer destination for people across the region is because our gameday staff creates a fun and exciting place to visit,” South Bend Cubs Vice President and General Manager Nick Brown said. “It’s the gold-standard guest service that keep our fans coming back year after year. We’re looking for people who are passionate, energetic, and customer service focused to join our team.”

The South Bend Cubs will open the 2020 season by hosting the Lake County Captains for a three-game series beginning on Thursday, April 9.

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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TinCaps Auctioning Jerseys Worn by Team

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off the team’s batting practice tops from 2018-19 at TinCapsJersey.com. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the TinCaps CARE program.

The batting practice tops are gray with the team’s apple logo on the right sleeve. “TinCaps” is written across the chest in cursive red with uniform numbers underneath that and on the back in white. The “T” in TinCaps resembles a peeled apple.

The team wore these batting practice jerseys on a daily basis the last two seasons during pre-game activities. During this time, the TinCaps have had some of the Top 100 prospects in baseball, including left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore , right-handed pitcher Luis Patino , shortstop CJ Abrams, infielder Xavier Edwards , and catcher Luis Campusano , as well as left-handed pitcher Nick Margevicius , who pitched for the TinCaps in 2018 and then made his Major League Baseball debut in 2019 with the San Diego Padres.

The jersey auction is live and runs through Wednesday, Jan. 15 (5 p.m.). The website lists which players wore each available jersey.

Fans are encouraged to bid on jerseys regardless of their location. Winners who live outside of the Fort Wayne area can make arrangements to have their jersey delivered by mail.

Thanks in part to the team’s MLB affiliate, the Padres, the TinCaps CARE program allows the team to donate tickets to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that benefit members of the community facing hardship. In 2019, the TinCaps donated more than 1,000 tickets to 18 non-profits.

The TinCaps will have new batting practice jerseys for the 2020 season, which begins on April 9, when the team plays on the road against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Opening Day 2020 at Parkview Field is set for Monday, April 13 (6:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the Cincinnati Reds-affiliated Dayton Dragons.

Parkview Field will feature an enhanced fan experience in 2020, which will include a brand new video board. Season tickets and tickets for group outings are currently available. Tickets to individual games will go on sale in February. For more information, visit TinCaps.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Indians to Offer Employee Donation Match Program

 

INDIANAPOLIS – In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Indianapolis Indians have announced a new Employee Donation Match Program. As of December 3, 2019, all full-time Indians employees are eligible to donate up to $500 annually with a one-to-one match from Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, its new 501(C)(3) organization focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Rolling out in early 2020, fans will be able to donate directly to Indianapolis Indians Charities to support its efforts around Central Indiana youth and families.

This season was the third consecutive year the Tribe set a franchise record for total charitable giving, highlighted by a total contribution of $583,623 to Central Indiana organizations. The front office also set a record for staff volunteer hours, giving back through 1,486 hours of volunteer service projects.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, contact the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-3545 or visit IndyIndians.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Indians Set New Records for Charitable Giving

 

INDIANAPOLIS – For the third consecutive year, the Indianapolis Indians set a franchise record for total charitable giving. Including monetary donations and in-kind contributions, the Tribe gave back $583,623 to community organizations in fiscal year 2019. The Indians operate with a fiscal year of October 1-September 30.

Earlier this offseason, the team announced a new 501(C)(3) organization, Indianapolis Indians Charities, focused on uplifting Central Indiana youth and families through partnerships with local nonprofits who work in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development.

Of the $583,623 in charitable contributions in 2019, $307,823 came from monetary donations to community events and in-stadium fundraising during Tribe games. The other $275,800 came from gifts in-kind of donated tickets, merchandise and mascot appearances.

“The Indians have been a community asset for a long time, and we continue to value our role in giving back,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “One of the most impactful ways we work with our partners is providing them the platform of Victory Field and the nearly 600,000 fans that attend home games each season. Now we’re finding new ways to work outside our walls, like Indianapolis Indians Charities and the continued dedication of our staff volunteering their time around Central Indiana.”

The Indians front office volunteered for 40 organizations in 2019, totaling more than 1,486 hours, another team record. The club instituted a staff volunteer program last season that allows employees to volunteer for local organizations during office hours throughout the year. Tribe players also got involved, making 40 appearances for 175 service hours.

Fans were instrumental in two initiatives in 2019-specialty jersey auctions and Thirsty Thursdays at Victory Field. The Indians auctioned off eight specialty jerseys for themes ranging from the team’s new Circle City alternate logo to MARVEL Super Heroes to Indy 500 Night to Stars & Stripes on Independence Day. Fan participation from the auctions drove the total donation for the season to nearly $55,500, another franchise record.

Thirsty Thursdays also received strong fan support in 2019. The new promotion offered discounted soda and draft domestic, premium and craft beer, including $1 from every Sun King craft beer purchase going to a different local nonprofit every Thursday night. The Tribe donated nearly $10,000 to eight non-profits through the Thursday promotion.

Tickets for the 2020 season of Indianapolis Indians baseball are on sale now in full- and half-season plans, plus mini and flex plans. Groups can also purchase tickets for the new Elements Financial Club, a social VIP space scheduled to open in time for Opening Night on Thursday, April 9. Single-game tickets go on sale March 1.

For more on the Indianapolis Indians, visit IndyIndians.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TinCaps Auctioning Off Game-Worn Jerseys

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off game-worn jerseys at TinCapsJersey.com. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the TinCaps CARE program.

The jerseys up for auction are the team’s San Diego Padres jerseys that were worn by players and coaches during Sunday games at Parkview Field from 2017-19. The jerseys are white with navy piping and “PADRES” across the chest. The uniform numbers 1-39 are available, with the exception of 6, 19, 31, and 35, which are retired by the Padres.

The TinCaps’ Padres jerseys were sported by some of baseball’s top prospects, including nine who’ve already reached the major leagues. See list below.

NOTE: The No. 23 jersey worn by Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2017 is not up for auction. The team is preserving that jersey for historical purposes. As an 18-year-old, Tatis set the franchise’s single-season home run record with 21. He made San Diego’s roster in 2019 and instantly became one of the most exciting players in the big leagues. The team issued a new No. 23 jersey worn by players in 2018 and ’19. That jersey is available to bid on. 

The jersey auction is live and runs through 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Fans are encouraged to bid on jerseys regardless of their location. Winners who live outside of the area can make arrangements to have their jersey delivered by mail.

Thanks in part to financial support from the Padres, the TinCaps CARE program allows the team to donate tickets to non-profit organizations in the Fort Wayne area that benefit members of the community facing hardships. In 2019, the TinCaps donated more than 1,000 tickets to 18 different non-profits.

Jerseys For Auction Worn By Players Who’ve Reached the Major Leagues

  • No. 11: RHP Pedro Avila
  • No. 14: RHP Ronald Bolanos
  • No. 16: LHP Adrian Morejon
  • No. 24: RHP Andres Munoz and RHP David Bednar
  • No. 25: LHP Nick Margevicius
  • No. 26: LHP Logan Allen and RHP Michel Baez

Jerseys For Auction Worn By Current Top 30 Padres Prospects

  • No. 3: INF Gabriel Arias
  • No. 4: C Luis Campusano
  • No. 8: LHP MacKenzie Gore
  • No. 9: INF Xavier Edwards, INF Gabriel Arias, and OF Buddy Reed
  • No. 12: INF Esteury Ruiz and C Blake Hunt
  • No. 13: INF Owen Miller
  • No. 15: INF Tucupita Marcano
  • No. 18: OF Jeisson Rosario and RHP Reggie Lawson
  • No. 20: INF Hudson Potts
  • No. 22: LHP Joey Cantillo and RHP Mason Thompson
  • No. 25: LHP Ryan Weathers
  • No. 26: RHP Luis Patino
  • No. 28: OF Tirso Ornelas and RHP Mason Thompson

A complete rundown of who wore each jersey is available at TinCapsJersey.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

South Bend Cubs Host Fourth Annual Polar Plunge

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – Leap year will take a whole new meaning this February as the South Bend Cubs will host the 4th annual Michiana Polar Plunge. This event will benefit Special Olympics Indiana and will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. the with the plunge starting at 12:00 p.m. After taking the plunge, participants are invited to celebrate at the After-Splash Bash in the Pepsi Stadium Club.

DONATE TO THE SOUTH BEND CUBS PLUNGE TEAM BY CLICKING HERE

The Polar Plunge is an event that is held across Indiana as well as across the country. Special Olympics Indiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower those with intellectual disabilities. As explained by President and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana, Jeff Mohler, “The vision of Special Olympics Indiana is that sports will open hearts and minds towards individuals with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across the state.” By putting on events like the Polar Plunge, Special Olympics Indiana is able to raise funds that will improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. The funds that are raised at the Polar Plunge will be used to support the thousands of Special Olympics athletes in Indiana.

“One way we accomplish our vision is through fantastic community partners, the South Bend Cubs are one such partner,” stated Mohler. “From their owner, Mr. Berlin, to their general manager, to the players, and every staff member. The South Bend Cubs are a premier organization. We are excited to partner with them again next February for the 2020 Polar Plunge. Go Cubs!”

Special Olympics Indiana has succeeded in raising over $55,000 in the last three years. The 2019 Polar Plunge raised over $20,000, and Special Olympics Indiana and the South Bend Cubs are looking to you to help reach the 2020 goal of $24,000.

“Every year, our fans and fellow plungers have helped exceed our fundraising goal for Special Olympics Indiana,” said South Bend Cubs Director of Media and Promotions Chris Hagstrom-Jones. “To help us get to $24,000, we’re adding a couple of prizes for our top fundraisers. The individual who raises the most money will receive a free outdoor suite to a South Bend Cubs game in April and the chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. To the group that raises the most money, they will each receive a ticket voucher good for any April South Bend Cubs game.”

Fans who do not wish to plunge can also donate to the South Bend Cubs front office team. Fans who donate at least $15 will be entered to win a set of four tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Three lucky winners will be chosen after February 29. Donate by visiting SouthBendCubs.com or clicking this link.

To participate in the 2020 Michiana Polar Plunge, individuals or groups must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 in pledges. All funds raised will benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Participants can register as an individual or gather friends, family members, co-workers, civic group or school group and register as a team. Register by visiting soindiana.org and clicking on the events page. Funds raised by this event will help local athletes train and compete at local, area and state level.

About Special Olympics Indiana

Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching more than 16,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations. For more information about Special Olympics Indiana, call (317) 328-2000 or visit www.soindiana.org.

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.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Indians Specialty Jersey Auctions Break Records

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians announced today the team and its fans raised $55,461 through specialty jersey auctions in 2019, a record-breaking total for one of the club’s most popular promotions every season. The funds were raised through in-park auctions benefiting seven different nonprofit organizations.

“Specialty jersey auctions have held a prominent place on the Indianapolis Indians promotions calendar for the past ten years, which speaks to their popularity among our fans and partners,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “It’s important we use our platform as a long-standing community partner to lift up those around us. We’re focused on helping Central Indiana youth and families, and the Victory Field experience is one way we can do it.”

The 2019 beneficiaries were Folds of Honor Indiana (May 3 – Indy 500), Indiana National Guard Relief Fund (July 4 – Stars & Stripes), Children’s TherAplay Foundation (July 6 – Spider-Man), Teachers’ Treasures (July 20 – Prospects Night), Riley Children’s Foundation (August 3 – The Incredible Hulk), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana (August 17-18 – PAW Patrol, August 23-24 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Special Olympics (Postseason – Circle City).

Earlier this offseason, the Tribe announced the creation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives. It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indians are formalizing their community outreach for the first time in franchise history.

For more information or to purchase a 2020 ticket package, visit IndyIndians.com or call (317) 269-3545.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

TinCaps Gear Up for Halloween

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps are gearing up for Halloween.

From Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25, fans can go to TinCapsWin.com and enter a contest for their child to go trick-or-treating with Johnny TinCap on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Before then, Parkview Field is hosting a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 19 (5:00–6:45 p.m) as part of Downtown Fort Wayne’s Fright Night.

Fans are invited to the ballpark to search for items hidden around the venue. Attendees can take as much time as they need to participate. The fan who guesses the correct number, or closest to that, will win a special prize pack from the TinCaps and Parkview Field. The ballpark will also have limited concessions available, plus Halloween-themed content playing on the video board, and an appearance by Johnny TinCap. The event is suitable for all ages. Click here for more details on Fright Night.

As part of the Halloween season, Johnny TinCap will also be making the rounds at other community events such as trunk-or-treats.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Tribe Unveil New Indianapolis Indians Charities

 

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Indians today announced the formation of Indianapolis Indians Charities, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth and families grow stronger together, learn more and live healthier lives.

It will support organizations across Central Indiana who serve in youth development, family success, education and neighborhood development. Established in 1902, the Indianapolis Indians will formalize their community outreach efforts for the first time in franchise history.

“The Indianapolis Indians are proud to create a new organization devoted specifically to amplifying our efforts to give back to the community,” said Indianapolis Indians Chairman and CEO Bruce Schumacher. “We take pride in our reputation as a longstanding grassroots partner, and we look forward to going deeper with new and existing relationships.”

The new organization’s first project is a field renovation at Forest Manor Park on the near eastside of Indianapolis on Friday, September 27. Plans include a complete rebuild of the large baseball diamond and refurbishment of the youth and softball diamonds. Four community entities use the diamonds at Forest Manor Park-Indy Parks, Indianapolis Public Schools, RBI Indianapolis and The BASE Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis Indians Charities provides us an opportunity to support youth and urban baseball programs in new ways,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “The Charities board is finalizing plans on new initiatives supporting our partners both at Victory Field and in the community. We’re excited for 2020 and beyond.”

The organization’s board of directors include from the Indianapolis Indians: Schumacher (Board President), Lewandowski (Board Vice President), Assistant General Manager – Corporate Sales and Marketing Joel Zawacki, and Director of Merchandise Mark Schumacher. Other board members include Strada Education Network CEO Bill Hansen and Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot.

“The Indianapolis Indians have been a key part of the Indianapolis community for many years, and I am gratified to play a role in the organization’s renewed and deepened commitment to youth and families around Central Indiana,” said Hansen. “I look forward to being part of the board charged with determining where the Indians can make the most impact in improving the lives of our fellow community members.”

“Partnerships are key to thriving communities, making today’s announcement even more valuable,” said Broadfoot. “The support from the Indianapolis Indians to Indy Parks is incredibly supportive of our mission and purpose—creating places and spaces that inspire. We are ecstatic about working with the Indians to beautify Forest Manor Park.”

For more on Indianapolis Indians Charities, visit IndyIndians.com/Charities.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Owen Tabbed as Indy’s Pirates Community Commitment Award Winner

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Representing the Indianapolis Indians with class both on and off the field, utilityman Hunter Owen will be honored in an on-field ceremony at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on Wednesday, September 18, prior to the Pirates hosting the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Evansville, Ind. native and Indiana State University product has been selected as Indy’s 2019 Pirates Community Commitment Award winner.

Owen led all Indians players by dedicating a combined 15 volunteer service hours to the Altoona, Pa. and Indianapolis communities. One honoree is chosen from every affiliate in the Pirates farm system each season.

In Indianapolis, Owen devoted off-the-field hours to Make-a-Wish and the Indianapolis Kiwanis Luncheon, where he was a guest panelist. Owen, 25, also dedicated his time to youth clinics, meet-and-greets with young Indians fans and autograph signings. In Altoona, he volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Instituted in 2008, the Pirates Community Commitment Program (PCCP) helps each player in the Pirates organization understand the personal and professional growth opportunities linked to community service, as they are viewed as role models or potential leaders.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.