2018 Meijer Baseball Academy Registration Now Open

SOUTH BEND, IN – With Major League Baseball Spring Training right on the horizon, the South Bend Cubs are excited to open registration for the annual Meijer Baseball Academy. The South Bend Cubs will welcome young baseball players to Four Winds Field to participate in the Academy for two three-day sessions that run from July 11 through July 13, and again from July 25 until July 27.

The two academy training sessions are to help keep the camp sizes smaller and to allow more interaction with the South Bend Cubs players and coaches. Registration is open to children from 6 to 12 years of age. Instruction from players and coaches will be based on the age and skill level of each participant. Throughout the three-day experience, participants will learn about hitting, pitching, fielding (infield and outfield), catching, and base running.

“The Meijer Baseball Academy is an event we look forward to every year,” South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. “It’s a chance for young boys and girls who are just getting into the sport to learn proper baseball fundamentals and for the more advanced players to improve their game with the help from the players and coaches in the Chicago Cubs organization. ”

The registration fee for one, three-day session is $125.00 per child. 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.

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. Do not wait to register, there is a limit of 85 players per session with the registration deadline set for June 11. To sign up, download the application form at www.SouthBendCubs.com/BaseballAcademy 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.

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 30 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

Trick-or-Treat With Johnny TinCap!

Halloween is quickly approaching and Johnny TinCap is looking to make plans. Do you know anyone who’d like to go trick-or-treating with him?

If so, members of the TinCaps Kids Club are invited to enter the TinCaps Halloween Essay Contest. All you need to do is explain “Why I want to trick-or-treat with Johnny TinCap…” in 100 words or less.

Not a Kids Club member yet? Then sign up here. It’s free to join and open for all kids 12 and under. Benefits include invitations to VIP events open only to Kids Club members, like Johnny’s Birthday Party and a Clinic with TinCaps players, plus exclusive giveaways.

Essays are due by Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. and can be emailed to johnny@tincaps.com, dropped off at Parkview Field, or sent to the following address:

Attn: Johnny TinCap, Fort Wayne TinCaps, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Entries will be judged by Johnny and his friends on the TinCaps’ staff.

Johnny will go trick-or-treating with the winner in his or her neighborhood for an hour on Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31). The winner also will receive a special TinCaps Prize Pack.

Happy Halloween from Johnny and the TinCaps!

And in the spirit of Halloween, don’t forget to visit Parkview Field on Saturday, Oct. 15 for Fright Night Downtown!

Take a look at this video of Johnny trick-or-treating with a previous winner, Lydia.

Watch: Youtube Video

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

TinCaps Auctioning Jerseys to Support Hurricane Relief

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In an effort to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, the Fort Wayne TinCaps are auctioning off special game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia. All proceeds from the online auction at TinCapsJersey.com (running now through Friday night) will be donated to Minor League Baseball Charities, which is collecting funds on behalf of Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams to provide relief to the MiLB communities in need.

MiLB Charities will match the TinCaps’ donations up to $10,000. Additionally, the Midwest League will match up to $5,000 raised by the TinCaps.

The TinCaps will be wearing “fauxback” jerseys on Friday-the same ones they previously wore on ’70s Night (July 7). The auction will remain live through the sixth inning of Friday’s game against the Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers) at Parkview Field.

Auction winners who are at Parkview Field will receive their jerseys directly from players and coaches on the field after the game. Those who aren’t in attendance Friday can make other arrangements to get their jersey.

“This is just a small gesture on our part to help our brothers and sisters in Texas,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “So many of our players and staff members over the years are from Texas, or have family and friends there, so it hurts even more to see what’s happening. We know they’re resilient, though, and we’re here to help however we can.”

The TinCaps have had several other jersey auctions this season supporting non-profit organizations. Friday was not originally scheduled to be one, but the team saw this as an opportunity to take action.

Fort Wayne’s roster features some of the top prospects in all of baseball, like pitchers Adrian Morejon and Michel Baez . Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. donned this jersey (No. 23) in July, too, before the San Diego Padres promoted him to Double-A San Antonio.

The TinCaps are wrapping up the regular season with their final home series of the season against Great Lakes (Wednesday-Friday, 7:05 p.m.). The team then finishes the regular season on the road at West Michigan (Saturday-Monday). Fort Wayne is on the verge of clinching a Midwest League Playoff spot.

For more information, fans can visit TinCaps.com or call 260-482-6400.

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

South Bend Cubs Host Fallen Heroes Day on Saturday, August 27

SOUTH BEND, IN – On Sunday, August 27, the South Bend Cubs will honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the community on Fallen Heroes Day presented by Midland Engineering. In addition to the recognition, the club will announce the 2017 Corporal Paul Deguch Community Service Award recipient.

The Corporal Paul Deguch Community Service Award is presented annually to a South Bend Cubs player who demonstrates outstanding service to the Michiana community. The award is in honor of Corporal Paul Deguch, a City of South Bend police officer, who was killed in the line of duty in August 1997. Members of the Deguch family will be on hand to present the award.

“We are honored to keep the memory of Corporal Deguch alive with this community service award,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “Everyday police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and service volunteers put their lives on the line to serve and protect, some of which give the ultimate sacrifice. This day is to remember all who lost their lives protecting our community.

Members of the South Bend Police Department will line the field in their squad cars to honor their fallen brother and participate in the award ceremony.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest’s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

Over a thousand local students will train in one day at Four Winds Field to save lives

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Andrew T. Berlin and the executive team for the South Bend Cubs will host an event to train over a thousand local students from South Bend Community School Corporation and School City of Mishawaka in the life-saving technique of hands-only CPR. The idea, led by enFocus and a volunteer task force, began as one of several strategies intended to improve survival outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest in the community. The region’s first CPR mass training event is sponsored by the South Bend Cubs, Saint Joseph Health System, Beacon Health System, IOI Payroll Services, the University of Notre Dame and other anonymous donors. Volunteers and support have been provided by Fire Departments across the county, Indiana University South Bend, Saint Mary’s College, Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen, Unity Medical & Surgical Hospital, and the American Heart Association. With the assistance of 200 volunteers, the mass training will take place on Four Winds Field in South Bend from 9 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27.

“This training will have an immediate impact by educating our students and empowering them to teach others” said Dale Lobo, Senior Fellow and Project Manager for enFocus. “We’ve been planning this for a long time, and as of the afternoon of September 27th, there will be 1,600 more people throughout the community trained to save lives. All 1,600 students will be given a training kit, complete with inflatable manikin and an instructional DVD that they can use to train their own family and friends. We know that greater bystander intervention is correlated with increased survival. In conjunction with our other initiatives, by training an additional 10% of the population in the next 3-5 years, we anticipate an increase in bystander intervention and survival from sudden cardiac arrest.”

“We knew immediately this would be good for everyone in St. Joseph County,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “And this is a perfect place to do something of this magnitude. We have parking for school buses; the training video can be shown on our giant video screen; and we’re used to hosting thousands of people every day. We’re happy to be part of something that will impact our community for years to come.”

“The national survival rate for victims of sudden cardiac arrest is only 10%,” added Lobo. “It’s a sobering statistic. But here in St. Joseph County, the survival rate is even lower at only 5%. By training so many people in CPR all at once, we can make a big difference right away. And that difference will continue to grow as kids teach other people how to do it.”

More than 1,600 8th graders from Mishawaka and South Bend will arrive at Four Winds Field in 30-40 buses. The training, which takes place on the playing field, will be supplemented with information on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and testimonies from survivors.

Media are invited to attend. For more information please visit www.savealifesjc.org.

About enFocus
Founded in 2012, enFocus is a local non-profit that brings together recent college graduates with organizations in need of fresh energy, innovative solutions and creative collaboration. Fellows are paired with community volunteers, business owners and political leaders who provide mentorship and guidance. With a board of mentors, advisors and successful entrepreneurs, enFocus creates a culture in which entrepreneurship is “caught” as well as taught. Fellows receive preparation for success in a diverse array of industries and fields. Their talents and gifts are helping to reshape northern Indiana as an innovative community. More information is available at www.sbenfocus.org.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. 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.

South Bend Cubs announce 2017 college scholarship winners

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Five college-bound high school softball and baseball players from across northern Indiana and southwestern lower Michigan have each earned a $5,000 scholarship from the South Bend Cubs.

To be considered for the scholarship, senior applicants had to graduate in spring 2017, be an active participant in an organized softball or baseball program and live in one of the 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in downtown South Bend.

When announcing the scholarship opportunity in the spring, South Bend Cubs Chairman and Owner Andrew T. Berlin said the scholarships demonstrate support not just of softball and baseball, but also the team’s commitment to the future leaders of the region. The application process opened in April.

“After a good amount of deliberation over a stellar applicant pool, today we can finally announce this year’s list of winners,” Berlin said. “These athletes represent the best in our region. They not only have the characteristics needed to succeed in softball and baseball, they’re making an impact off the field. It’s our hope that these scholarships will help them become the bright leaders of our future.”

The 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarship winners:

  • Nikolos Kavadas , Penn High School
  • Halle Meredith, John Adams High School
  • Samantha Luzadre, Buchanan High School
  • Mattie Reese, John Glenn High school
  • Andrew Samuelson, LaPorte High School

“These five students are proven leaders,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “For this application process, we asked them to submit an essay, demonstrating why they deserved this. The answers blew us away. Some were deeply personal, others were motivational. Truly these are all great young people who we’re proud to award scholarships.”

All five scholarship winners will be recognized at the South Bend Cubs home game at Four Winds Field on Saturday, August 12.

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

TinCaps Hosting Baseball Clinic For Kids

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Learn from the Pros at the 2017 TinCaps Players Clinic! This clinic is for Kids Club members ages 6-12 and will be at Parkview Field on August 12th from 10AM – 12PM. Check-in will be at 9:30 AM inside the main gates and there will be a pizza party afterwards in the Huntington University Picnic Pavilion.

Kids Club Members will receive instruction from TinCaps Players, a t-shirt, autographs, and a post-clinic lunch. The cost is $25 and there are only 64 spots available, so be sure to sign up ASAP!

Once your spot has been reserved, Aron Brecht from the TinCaps staff will send an e-mail requesting additional details pertinent to the clinic. If you aren’t already a member of the Kids Club, please sign-up at tincapskidsclub.com before reserving your spot.

Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-tincaps-players-clinic-tickets-35943270289

If you have any questions, contact Aron by phone at 260-482-6400 or by email at Brecht@tincaps.com.

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

Fourth of July Jersey Auction to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs are raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana through their 4th of July jersey auction this weekend.

The jerseys, worn by the South Bend Cubs players and coaches, feature the American flag on the front and back with Cubs written in block letters with red trim across the chest, white numbers with red trim on the back and primary South Bend Cubs logo on the left sleeve.

“After the success of last season, we are proud to once again partner with Ronald McDonald House in Michiana over the 4th of July weekend,” said South Bend Cubs Team President Joe Hart. “The Ronald McDonald House relies on support from our community to operate and we are proud to continue supporting this great facility and the people who help families through the most difficult of times.”

Last season, the South Bend Cubs raised over $3,000 through the jersey auction.

“We are honored to partner with the South Bend Cubs,” said Lauren Smyth, director of development and communications for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana. “The money we raise for the Ronald McDonald House during these games directly impacts the families in our community and the surrounding area who stay in the House when their children are hospitalized – all at no cost to them. We are very grateful for the South Bend Cubs’ generosity.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana serves the families of critically ill and injured children at Beacon Children’s Hospital in South Bend. No family is ever prepared for the serious illness of their child, so while the hospital team takes care of the children, the Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to relax or sleep, eat a hot meal or grab a quick shower at no cost to them.

In February of 2017, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana opened their brand-new House inside the Skyway building connected to Memorial Hospital. With more than 15,000 sq. ft. of space, the new House offers 20 overnight bedroom suites, multiple laundry facilities, living rooms, dining rooms, a large open kitchen, pantry, community room and children’s play room.

The jersey auction will begin on Sunday, July 2 and run through the end of the 7th inning on Tuesday, July 4. A silent auction table will be set up near Gate A at Four Winds Field with minimum bids beginning at $120.00. Auction winners will be able to collect their jersey after the game on July 4 or pick them up later at the South Bend Cubs Main Office. Winning bidders not in attendance of the game will be notified July 5.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. This year, Four Winds Field, home of the Cubs, was named Ballpark Digest‘s Best Single-A ballpark. 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 sole 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.

Fort Wayne TinCaps To Honor Esurance Rising Star Students Program Winner During On-Field Ceremony

FORT WAYNE, Ind. –The Fort Wayne TinCaps, Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana will recognize Addam Ray, a local high school senior and one of 14 Esurance Rising Star Students program winners, during a pregame presentation at Friday’s game versus the Dayton Dragons. The Esurance Rising Star Students program, which highlights and celebrates Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) participants for their outstanding service to their local communities, awards select high school students a $5,000 college stipend each, courtesy of Esurance.

Ray plans to attend Ivy Tech and become a computer programmer. He aspires to start his own company and use it as a platform for doing good in the world. Addam credits his “Big” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana for “showing him right from wrong, good from bad, laugh in the good times, and talk in the bad times.”

The Esurance Rising Star Students program submissions included unique and inspirational stories, academic accolades, college and career plans and more, emphasizing why each individual was a 

“Rising Star” in his or her community. To be eligible, nominees were required to be “Bigs” or “Littles” in Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

“With the help of Esurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, we can recognize a Rising Star Student in our community getting ready for his or her own call-up to college, and honor the student with a unique ballpark celebration,” said Mike Nutter, President of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. 

Last June, Esurance and Minor League Baseball announced a multi-year partnership making it the exclusive home and auto insurance partner of Minor League Baseball. Together, they created the Esurance Call-Up Worthy platform, which launched exclusively on MiLB.com and MiLB team websites. The platform celebrates the iconic moment in Minor League Baseball when a player is called up to Major League Baseball®, highlighting his journey through shareable digital and social content, such as virtual trading cards, video highlights and the Esurance Farm Report.

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

June Kids Club Coloring Contest

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — TinCaps Kids Club members have the chance to get their artwork put in an upcoming gameday program. Introducing our June Kids Club Coloring Contest! The theme of the contest is “Where in the World is Johnny?” Print this graphic of Johnny, color him, and draw him anywhere in the world!

The winner of the contest will get his or her drawing published on a full page in one of our gameday programs. Runner-ups will have a smaller picture of their drawing printed in the program.

You must be a member of the Kids Club to enter the contest. The club is free to join. You can sign up by going to TinCapsKidsClub.com, visiting Guest Sevices at a TinCaps game, or by contacting Aron Brecht at 260-407-2809 or Becht@TinCaps.com. Kids Club members receive inviations to VIP events, such as Johnny’s birthday party, special meet and greets, tirck or treating with Johnny, and more. Plus, there are exclusive giveaways for members only.

Submissions are due by Monday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m. You can dop off your drawing at Parkview Field’s Admin Offices Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM or at Guest Services during a home game.

You can also mail your drawing to:

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Attn: Aron Brecht

1301 Ewing Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Click here for the picture to color

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

TinCaps to Wear Vera Bradley-Designed Jerseys for Turn the Park Pink

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – For the first time ever, the TinCaps will wear pink jerseys designed by Vera Bradley for the team’s annual Turn the Park Pink Night on Saturday, June 17 (7:05 pm), when they host the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds) at Parkview Field.

 

The “modern medley”-patterned pink jerseys are designed by Vera Bradley Senior Graphic Designer Alexandria Baker, a TinCaps fan and Fort Wayne native who went to the University of St. Francis.

“We’re thrilled to be partnered with Vera Bradley and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer,” said TinCaps Vice President Michael Limmer. “Not only do the jerseys look great, but most importantly they’ll be helping to save lives.”

The jerseys are currently being auctioned off online at TinCapsJersey.com and will be available for fans to bid on through the bottom of the sixth inning on the night of the game. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. (Fans don’t need to be in attendance at the game to win the online auction.)

Currently, the TinCaps’ roster features nine of the San Diego Padres’ top 30 prospects, including shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. , who ESPN.com ranks as one of the 50 best prospects in all of baseball.

Turn the Park Pink Night at Parkview Field also will feature Postgame Fireworks, presented by Auto–Owners Insurance, and a performance by the world-renowned QuickChange act.

Tickets for the TinCaps’ Turn the Park Pink Night are available at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

About the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer

The Foundation is celebrating its 20th year of funding the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 1998, the Foundation has played an integral role in changing the face of breast cancer research by supporting more than 30 labs and more than 35 researchers and clinicians who are leading major advancements in drug therapies and setting a world-wide standard. To date, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer has raised $28.1 million. The Foundation receives funding through national events, generous gifts from Vera Bradley (Nasdaq:VRA), and through donations on verabradley.org.

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

TinCaps Continue Tradition with Military Appreciation Night

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps once again have partnered with the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc. to welcome military personnel to Parkview Field for Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, June 27, when the team hosts the South Bend Cubs (Chicago Cubs) at 7:05 p.m.

Complimentary tickets are currently available for military families-both active and veteran-to enjoy the game on June 27, thanks to the generosity of the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc., and caring individual donors.

 

“It’s an honor to provide military families the appreciation they deserve on this special night,” said TinCaps President, Mike Nutter. “This gives us an opportunity to give back to the men and women, and their loved ones, who’ve done so much for this country. We’re proud to have partners in the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc. to help us host this night.”

 

“The men and women of our OmniSource and SDI family are proud and honored to be a part of this celebration for our courageous United States military heroes,” said Russ Rinn, President & COO of the OmniSource Corporation. “We all know that because of them, we live in freedom.”

 

The TinCaps also have continued their partnerships with multiple military organizations offering military personnel in attendance the chance to visit kiosks highlighting many of the support organizations and offerings available to military-active and veteran-in the area.

 

For this game, TinCaps players will be wearing red, white, and blue jerseys designed by Rebekah Frey, a student at the University of St. Francis. The TinCaps also will wear these jerseys on the Fourth of July. On Independence Day, the jerseys will be auctioned off on TinCapsJersey.com, with proceeds being donated to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

 

Military personnel and their family who are eligible to request tickets to Military Appreciation Night can visit TinCapsMilitary.com for more information. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with questions can contact Aron Brecht of the TinCaps at 260-407-2809 or Brecht@TinCaps.com.

 

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

Deadline for $5000 scholarships extended to June 14th

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The South Bend Cubs have extended the deadline for scholarships reserved for college bound high school seniors to June 14, 2017. Up to $25,000 will be awarded to softball and baseball players from 11 counties surrounding Four Winds Field in South Bend.

“We make no small plans here at Four Winds Field. Nor should the young men and in this region who compete in high school softball and baseball,” commented Andrew T, Berlin, Chmn./Owner of the South Bend Cubs. “These are for any senior softball or baseball player who intends to continue his or her education full time after high school – whether they continue playing ball in college or not.”

In 2016, The South Bend Cubs awarded five scholarships worth $5,000 each to high school seniors from Edwardsburg, MI, Bremen, LaPorte, South Bend and Walkerton, IN. Two of the recipients were softball players, three were baseball players.

Applications for the 2017 South Bend Cubs Scholarships will be accepted until the close of business at the 1st Source Bank Performance Center at Four Winds Field on June 14, 2017. Up to five (5) $5,000 scholarships will be granted. A full set of rules, eligibility requirements and an application form can be found online at www.1stSourceBankPerformanceCenter.com.

“We want to make sure people understand two things about these scholarships that are very important,” added Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “These are not just baseball scholarships. We hope to see as many softball applicants as baseball. And we want people to know that we’re doing our part to build a new baseball and softball dynasty in this region. That’s what the 1st Source Bank Performance Center here at Four Winds Field is all about-year-round professional pitching, conditioning, fielding and at-bat training with professional instructors.

About the South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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 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.

South Bend Cubs Go to Bat Against Hunger and Honor our Fallen Heroes

SOUTH BEND, IN – The South Bend Cubs, in conjunction with Express Employment Professionals, are proud to host a collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, during the Memorial Day weekend four-game homestand. The Cubs are asking all fans coming to the games to donate non-perishable food items and placing them in the orange barrels located inside all gates at Four Winds Field.

“The entire Express Employment Professionals team is thrilled that the South Bend Cubs have said ‘Yes’ to fighting hunger by hosting the Food Bank’s orange collection barrels at all gates for the upcoming home games,” said Norm Robertson, franchise owner of Express. “We know that the generosity of our community is unparalleled when it comes to helping others in need.”

Along with the food drive over the holiday weekend, the South Bend Cubs and Express Employment Professionals are providing all active duty military and veterans with two free tickets the games on Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at Four Winds Field.

“Although a solemn day of reflection in remembrance of the multitude of men and women who have lost their lives in the defense of our country, Memorial Day also reminds us of the resilience of our constitutional republic, and how we are always the first to grab the flag and lead others in the direction of all peoples yearning to breathe free,” said Express Employment Professionals Director of Marketing Greg Mackey. “Express Employment Professionals is honored to sponsor Military Appreciation Days on behalf of our active-duty military personnel and our veterans and in partnership with Andrew Berlin, Joe Hart, and this great South Bend Cubs organization!”

“Every year, we are honored to partner with Express Employment Professionals to give back to our local veterans and those who are on active duty in the military as a small way to say thank you for your service,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “The collection for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana is a great addition to this weekend of giving back. We encourage our fans to bring non-perishable food items to join us in the fight against hunger.”

In order to receive the two free tickets, all active duty personnel and veterans must visit the South Bend Cubs Box Office and show a form of military ID. This offer is not available over the phone or online. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Should either game sell out, lawn tickets will be provided.

Sunday’s game has a special first pitch time of 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks after the game. Monday’s game has a scheduled first pitch at 2:05 p.m. and gates open at 1:00 p.m.

The South Bend Cubs are one of over 150 area volunteer organizations helping to fight hunger and food insecurity this summer with the North-Central Indiana offices of Express Employment Professionals, as a part of Express’s “Brand It Blue” food drive campaign.

About Express Employment Professionals:

Express Employment Professionals is a leading workforce staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Founded in 1983, Express Employment Professionals has nearly 800 franchise locations, including three franchise offices covering a six county area and located in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Warsaw, in North-Central Indiana. Express specializes in the placement of job-seekers with employers for commercial, administrative, skilled trades, and professional positions.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A minor league affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 29 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. 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 sole 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.

TinCaps Seek Nominees for Military Salutes in 2017

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps, along with OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc., will salute our military throughout the 2017 season and need your help.

All those who serve our country, or have served, deserve to be saluted. The TinCaps are looking for nominations of active or veteran military personnel to honor at games. If you have a friend or family member you’d like to see honored at Parkview Field, then let the team know.

Selected nominees will be rewarded with VIP treatment at Parkview Field. This includes tickets to the game for them and their family, and recognition on the field before that night’s fireworks show.

The TinCaps ask that you submit a short essay explaining why the community should know about your hero’s story. Submissions should be sent to TinCaps Vice President David Lorenz (lorenz@tincaps.com). You can also call David at 260-407-2815.

“Honoring the men and women that currently serve or have previously served our country is the least we can do,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “We’re glad to have this special opportunity at Parkview Field to give these heroes the spotlight and thank them from all that they have done and continue to do.”

Through the generosity of the OmniSource Corporation and Steel Dynamics Inc., and caring individual donors, the TinCaps also invite all members of the military and their families to attend Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday, June 27 (7:05 p.m.) when the TinCaps host the South Bend Cubs. Complimentary tickets for that game can be requested at TinCapsMilitary.com.

The TinCaps will wear special patriotic jerseys on Military Appreciation Night presented by OmniSource and Steel Dynamics and on the Fourth of July. The jerseys will be auctioned off on the Fourth with all proceeds benefitting Honor Flight Northeast Indiana.

Tickets are available online at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, or visiting the Parkview Field Ticket Office.

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