Issuu

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

ALL GAS, NO BREAKS

A look at the Cubs 2019 firstrounder, Ryan Jensen By Max Thoma

he first thing that jumps out at you when you watch Ryan Jensen pitch is his electric fastball. He throws a two-seamer with a ton of arm-side run and sink to it, and a four seamer that almost looks to rise out of his hand as it cuts through the air. On the 20-80 scouting grade scale, Jensen’s fastball received a score of 70, the best fastball in the 2019 draft class. In fact just before the onset of this season, a reporter at South Bend Cubs media day asked him how he would describe the scouting report on himself. He responded, “A whole lot of fastballs.” But there’s much more to the player that is Ryan Jensen than just one pitch. Jensen grew up in Northern California and attended Salinas High School, a high school that until his arrival had never produced a first round pick. The highest drafted Cowboy ever at the time was Xavier Nady who was selected with the 49th overall pick in the 2000 draft by the San Diego Padres. Nady had stayed in Northern California to play collegiately, as Jensen would, and in his pro career wound up winning a World Series with the New York Yankees and with the San Francisco Giants. After his senior season in high school, in which he boasted a 2.75 ERA Twitter @SBCubs

and held opponents to a .162 batting average, the right-hander went on to pitch at Fresno State. At 19 years old he came out of the bullpen almost exclusively for the bulldogs, making 28 of his 29 appearances in relief and putting up a 6.60 ERA despite finishing the season 3-0. The next year his numbers improved. In his sophomore season Jensen made more starts than appearances out of the pen and lowered his ERA to 5.35. That 2018 season he made the second most starts on the team, had the second most saves on the roster and finished eighth in the Mountain West Conference in saves. If you look at his first two seasons, at least on paper, you don’t see a first-rounder. Then came his junior campaign. Continued on page 2...

Ryan Jensen warms up prior to his first start of the season against the Quad Cities River Bandits. (May 8, 2021) Photo credit: Ed McGregor

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ... Continued from page 1 to climb as the draft approached. And he Jensen said in the fall of 2018 he might’ve saved his best for last. noticed more consistency with his Jensen made the final start of his arsenal on the mound. He credited the collegiate career in a Stanford Regional improvements more to his growing game against the number two seed maturity and more of a mental adjustUniversity of Santa Barbara. That day he ment than a physical one. But physically, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, he dominated. and finished up going 7.2 innings, The six-foot pitcher from Salinas allowing just two runs and earning a started the year 2-1, with his team going win in the Bulldogs 9-2 victory over the 2-2 in his first four starts of the 2019 Gauchos. season, including taking a loss against The thought going into that start UNLV in which he set a new career high was that Jensen would most likely be with 10 strikeouts. He a compensation pick then proceeded to go or a second-rounder. undefeated the rest of He said he was the year. hearing a lot from the He won his last 10 Diamondbacks and decisions of the year, the Yankees, and the finishing 12-2 with a Yankees even told him 2.88 ERA across 100 they were going to take innings. He was the him with the 38th pick. only pitcher in the But it was the Cubs entire conference to that jumped on him in reach 100 innings that Jensen's first inning vs. Quad Cities. (May 8, the first round with the season, and he finished 2021) Photo credit: Ed McGregor 27th overall pick. second in strikeouts Just prior to his (107), fourth in opponent’s batting start in that Regional, actually after the average (.217), and his 2.88 ERA ranked National Anthem had already been sung, fifth in the MWC. In his last 66 innings Jensen’s agent informed him he had in college he struck out 77 batters and been selected. walked just 14, while putting together He said it was a no brainer to forego eight straight starts of at least seven his senior season at Fresno State and innings pitched. head to the pros. And who can blame He set the tone for the team in the him. The kid had just thrown 100 innings Mountain West Tournament by posting a and now was set to receive a bonus of $2 double-digit strikeout performance and million. allowing just three hits. The Bulldogs When Jensen got to Minor League went on to win their first conference Baseball he said his mindset was to title since 2012, and first-ever in the make it to the big leagues withing three MWC. Not only was Jensen crowned the years. Like so many college starting Mountain West Tournament MVP, he pitchers though, he was limited in his took home the award for Mountain West first season, tossing just 12 innings in six Pitcher of the Year. starts with the Eugene Emeralds in the With every win and with every Northwest League. quality outing, Jensen’s stock continued Continued on page 4...

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

Score big with a Cubs 1st Club Account! Members get special access & discounts at the ballpark.

1stsource.com/cubs | Member FDIC

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ... Continued from page 2 But as was the case for so many prospects, especially pitching prospects, the lost 2020 season slowed his trajectory. Now his third year in the pros is just his second season, though he is getting crucial experience in his first full season. This year Jensen is relying more on his secondary pitches. He came into the season very excited to showcase his changeup, and while in college he was mostly fastball-slider, the Cubs have also had him develop a curve with more vertical break. And he has shown flashes of being unhittable. So far this year, as of July 27, Jensen has gone five innings and allowed one or zero runs in five of his thirteen starts. On July 3he had the best outing of his pro career, tossing six perfect innings on the road against the Lake County Captains. His next two starts in July he allowed just two runs on three hits combined. It was an unbelievable stretch of dominance, and even though he didn’t make it out of the first inning his last time out, his July ERA is just 2.04.

This month opponents are hitting .102 vs. the right-hander with an OBP of just .159. Overall on the season Jensen is striking out 10.2 batters per nine innings and has a WHIP of just 1.03. Despite his small size, Jensen unleashes killer fastballs that remain in the mid-to-high 90s late into ballgames. He’s a great athlete that currently ranks as the Cubs number eight overall prospect on MLB Pipeline, and their number three pitching prospect behind just Brailyn Marquez and Kohl Franklin. The stuff is there, and when Jensen has everything going he can absolutely own an opponent. For the Cubs former first-rounder the question most people will be asking is not if he’ll make it to the majors, but when? “I actually prefer the outfield now, compared to the infield it’s much easier. In the infield there’s a lot more to think about, more changes relating to who’s batting and what the coach wants you to do.”

Instagram @SBCubs

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

PLAN YOUR 2022 GROUP OUTING

Are you looking for the perfect place to plan your next group outing? We have a variety of packages to suit your every need! Treat your group of 20 or more to a fun night of affordable entertainment! Four Winds Field is a great place to entertain employees, clients, team members, civic organizations, and even family reunions. Book early for the best seats!

PICNIC AND GROUP AREAS

OUTDOOR PARTY SUITES

1ST SOURCE BANK PERFORMANCE CENTER PATIO

BUDWEISER PICNIC GARDEN

MILLER LITE TIKI HUT

RIVER VALLEY CONSTRUCTION PARTY DECK

UNITED FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ROOFTOP

HOME RUN PORCH

THE LANDING

Call (574) 235-9988 and ask for a group sales representative or email groups@southbendcubs.com to reserve your special day / night. www.SouthBendCubs.com

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

same hometown of legendary Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente. He takes pride in the illustrious history of major league talent coming out of Puerto Rico, identifying greats such as Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Delgado as Puerto Rican All-Stars who he admired growing up. With the immense popularity of baseball in Puerto Rico, there were plenty of opportunities for Velazquez to play in various Little Leagues and develop his game from a young age. Velazquez got By: Josh Sperber involved in as many leagues as he could f you talk to Nelson Velazquez about as a kid, playing in tournaments across his breakout season in 2021 with the Puerto Rico and in the United States South Bend Cubs, against some of the best you won’t hear players in the country. much about the career But it wasn’t until high highs he is on pace to school that he came to set, or the fact that he is realize he had the kind performing better than of talent that piques most any position player the interest of major in the Cubs system league scouts. “When I right now. All he will was 14 or 15, I realized tell you is how hard he I was good enough to is working, and that his play baseball profeseyes are on the prize. sionally,” Velazquez That prize isn’t any kind Nelson Velazquez readies for a pitch said. “That is when I of award, and it might not against Cedar Rapids. (7/17/21) really began to focus even be a fourth consecu- Photo Credit: Casey McDonald and work even harder tive minor league championship (though to realize my dream.” And he definitely winning is always important to him). put in the work. His dedication in high Velazquez has always had one goal in school and times on countless amateur mind: to play in the major leagues. teams in Puerto Rico got the attention of Like many professional baseball Cubs Scout, and former major leaguer, players, Velazquez has been playing Edwards Guzman. A big step forward for baseball for almost his entire life. Velazquez was Puerto Rico’s Excellence Inspired by his grandmother’s love of Tournament in 2017. The Excellence the game and his father, who played Tournament was started by Jorge Posada softball, Velazquez first picked up a bat Sr, prolific Major League scout and and glove and began playing baseball father of longtime Yankees catcher Jorge at the age of three. This is especially Posada, with the purpose of showcasing common in his home country of Puerto young talent on the island right before Rico, where baseball is a huge part of the the draft. MLB stars such as Carlos culture and the fabric of life. Velazquez Correa and Jose Berrios have... is from the small town of Carolina, the Continued on page 8...

Dedication and Passion Have Helped Nelson Velazquez Make Great Strides

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY! You’ll find just what you are looking for close to home at Four Winds South Bend. Enjoy entertainment with 1,400 games and endless jackpot possibilities. Try your hand on one of 12 live poker tables. Then tempt your tastebuds at the best restaurants in Indiana including Copper Rock Steakhouse and Kankakee Grille. We have everything you need for a night out. Dining. Gaming and Fun. Four Winds South Bend...Your Entertainment Escape!

3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614 1-866-4WINDS1 | fourwindscasino.com The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians invites you to play responsibly. If you think you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700. ©2021 Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. 4477-12.04.21

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ... Continued from page 6 ...played in the showcase, and Velazquez showed enough promise to warrant his selection in the fifth round of the 2017 draft by the Chicago Cubs. Velazquez was the first position player picked by the Cubs that year. According to Baseball America, Velazquez was the best power hitter and overall athlete in the Cubs’ 2017 draft class, as well as one of the group’s fastest runners. The Excellence Tournament demonstrated that Velazquez is a five-tool player, something that he prides himself on. But another point of pride is an intangible quality, his leadership. In the dugout or the locker room, Velazquez is always surrounded by his teammates. He believes that the most important thing he can do on the field is to be there for his teammates and motivate them during the game and in the clubhouse. “A leader is the type of player who motivates and helps out their teammates without ordering them around” Velazquez said. “I feel that my teammates like me and have confidence in me, and I think to be a leader for them that I need to bring out the energy and confidence in their game and that helps the team the most.” That energy has been shown after each one of his home runs, when he is mobbed by teammates upon his return to the dugout. He is enthusiastically supported by his teammates every step of the way and he will always reciprocate in kind. Even during a career year, Velazquez always makes time to support his teammates and try to make everyone around him, himself included, a better player. The best teams include great players but, more importantly, build a strong team dynamic. That is certainly an aspect of greatness that Velazquez and his teammates have consistently

achieved together. In his first three seasons in professional baseball, he has won three minor league championships. In 2017, he won a championship in Arizona with the Cubs Rookie League Squad, slugging eight home runs and taking more than half of his total hits for extra bases. He was at the plate for a championship-winning balk when the Eugene Emeralds won the Northwest League Championship against current Cleveland reliever Emmanuel Clase and the Spokane Indians in 2018. And he earned a ring with last year’s Midwest League Champion South Bend Cubs, going 2-3 with a run scored in the series clincher against Clinton. “It’s crazy to think that my first year signing with the Cubs I ended up a champion, and we just kept on winning. But every player will tell you that you need to play hard to continue that trend.” Playing hard has never been an issue for Velazquez, who has recorded at least one hit in each of the three minor league championship games he has participated in. Success on the field has a lot to do with the work put in during the offseason, and that is something not lost on Nelson Velazquez. After each season, Velazquez returns to his home in Puerto Rico to be with his family train in the offseason. With the cancellation of the minor league season in 2020, Velazquez dedicated himself to getting stronger. Working out six days a week on the beach and in the gym to improve his strength and speed. He worked with multiple strength and fitness coaches and practiced in local parks to keep his game sharp as well. He put on at least ten pounds of muscle in the offseason, and there is a noticeable difference in his game this season. The extra work and dedication to his craft have... ...Continued on page 10 Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Choosing Insurance is Hard. I Can Help!

Call for a FREE Quote Today!

(574) 400-8400

Matthew Tallman

Licensed Insurance Agent

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed in all states. Service and product availability may vary by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 47300-HM-0421

Health | Medicare | Life | Supplemental www.SouthBendCubs.com

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ...Continued from page 8 ...shown in every way. Velazquez is on pace to surpass his career highs in multiple batting categories this year. He has already equaled his career-best in home runs and set a new seasonhigh in RBIs. Velazquez has consistently showcased his speed, excellent bat, and strong arm in the outfield throughout the 2021 season. At the midway point, Velazquez was top-10 in the High-A Central in homers, batting average, slugging and RBI to go along with a career high six outfield assists. Furthermore, he was the only Cubs prospect with ten or more steals, doubles, and home runs. “The more I can do on a baseball field, the better I feel about my game and the player I am becoming.” Velazquez has truly done it all in South Bend, exploding out of the gate in 2021 with a .600 batting average over the first two series. His bat sparked the Cubs first series victory of the season and their longest winning streak of the first half of the year. Velazquez is in his third season in South Bend, beginning the season at Four Winds Field for the second straight year. Though he struggled in his first stint with the South Bend Cubs in 2018, Velazquez has made great strides in the past two seasons, in the midst of a career year in the 2021 season. In every year he has played for South Bend, Velazquez has improved his stats across the board and this year is no exception.

He attributes that mainly to the people around him. “As I player I’ve grown a lot [in South Bend]. I’ve improved at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths and I can’t thank my coaches enough for that. As a person, my friends, teammates, and coaches have helped me grow and stay humble on the field and off.” The humility is especially evident when he discusses his success, always crediting his coaches with his rise and focusing on the work he puts in above all else. He sets high expectations for himself, including a goal of twenty home runs, doubles, and steals to motivate himself to play at a high level. Even in a breakout year, Velazquez lets his play on the field do the talking. He doesn’t track his stats much during the season and pays no mind to individual accolades. His primary focus is improving on the field and staying grounded off it. “I don’t really think about my stats. Obviously, people see them, but I never think about it when I’m playing, I just focusing on getting better.” If he keeps up this level of play, Velazquez will be a strong contender for Cubs Minor League Player of the Year, which has gone to a South Bend Cub in each of the past two seasons. When asked about it, Velazquez shrugs off the potential for recognition and keeps his focus on his team’s, and his own, success. A true teammate and consummate professional, there is no telling how high he can rise.

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

LOVE of the game BEGINS AT

home

For over 35 years, Ruoff has helped people discover, finance and move into their homes with confidence. We know the way home. We’ll walk there with you.

Apply online at RUOFF.COM

Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/ COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#141868. 05152021

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Twitter @SBCubs

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM

2021 SOUTH BEND CUBS COACHING STAFF Michael Ryan - Manager

Ryan is the manager the South Bend Cubs after joining the organization in 2020. Prior to that, he spent seven seasons as a manager in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, including 2017-2019 at the helm of Double-A Altoona. He led the Curve to the Eastern League championship in 2017, the first of twostraight campaigns with Western Division titles. A former outfielder, Ryan compiled a .258 batting average, seven home runs and 35 RBI in 149 major league games with the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels.

Tony Cougoule - Pitching Coach

Cougoule took over the pitching coach duties in South Bend after joining the Cubs organization in 2020. Previously, he coached in the same role at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA from 2010-2019, Southeastern Community College from 2008-2009, and Azusa Pacific University from 2006-2007. Cougoule played collegiate baseball at Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, IA, earning team MVP and all-conference honors in 2003 and completing his master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University in 2007.

Paul McAnulty - Hitting Coach

McAnulty returned to South Bend to serve as the team’s hitting coach. In 2019, he helped guide the club to their fourth Midwest League Championship in the same role. Beginning his tenure with the Cubs organization as a South Bend assistant coach in 2018, McAnulty was a hitting coach in the Angels farm system from 2014-2016. A former outfielder, he appeared in five major league seasons with the San Diego Padres from 2005-2008 and Angels in 2010.

Eric Patterson - Assistant Hitting Coach

Patterson began his second year with the Cubs organization and assumes the duties of assistant hitting coach for South Bend. In 2019, he served as head coach of the Gwinnett Tides in the Sunbelt League (Georgia collegiate summer baseball). In 226 major league games, he batted .217 with 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 homers and 50 RBI. Patterson was selected by the Cubs in the eighth round of the 2004 draft out of Georgia Tech.

George Thanopoulos - Development Coach

Thanopoulos enters his first season coaching with the South Bend Cubs. He was a 26th round pick by the Colorado Rockies in the 2016 MLB draft and spent two years in the minors in 2016 and 2017, both with the Low-A Boise Hawks. In two seasons he went 2-1 with a 3.94 ERA in 26 appearances out of the bullpen. He played college baseball in the Ivy League at Columbia and in 2014 was selected to the All-Ivy League second team.

LET US FUNDRAISE FOR YOUR SCHOOL, FESTIVAL, AND ATHLETIC EVENTS! p. 574.596.4569 e. konamichiana@gmail.com

www.kona-ice.com 14

Instagram @SBCubs

LEGACY Heating and Air, Inc. A Cook Family Business

WHOLE HOUSE

AIR CONDITIONER

$59

MONTHLY PAYMENTS AS LOW AS

A family owned and operated HVAC company that has been servicing the Elkhart, South Bend, and Southwest Michigan areas since the 1940’s!

AIR CONDITIONING

HEATING

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

COMMERCIAL HVAC

DUCT CLEANING

PLUMBING

855-273-8444

DAIKIN COMFORT PROS

Servicing Indiana and Michigan

WWW.LEGACYHEATINGANDAIRINC.COM

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM

SOUTH BEND CUBS TEAM ROSTER CURRENT AS OF JULY 22, 2021

JOSE ALBERTOS

MAX BAIN

HUNTER BIGGE

MATTEO BOCCHI

BURL CARRAWAY

BRADFORD DEPPERMANN

RYAN JENSEN

BRYAN

GRAHAM LAWSON

JOE NAHAS

EDUARNIEL NUNEZ

EURY RAMOS

SAMUEL

DALTON STAMBAUGH

TYLER SUELLENTROP

BLAKE WHITNEY

DEAN NEVAREZ

KING

REYES

CATCHERS

JAKE WASHER

HARRISON WENSON

BRYCE BALL

INFIELDERS

TYLER DURNA

JOSUE HUMA

SCOTT MCKEON

RYAN REYNOLDS

JAKE SLAUGHTER

DELVIN ZINN

OUTFIELDERS

EDMOND AMERICAAN

D.J. ARTIS

YONATHAN NELSON PERLAZA VELAZQUEZ

A rewarding career starts here

NOW HIRING

for all Experience Levels on All Shifts! environment in a growth-oriented, opportunity driven company, we invite you to explore employment opportunities with MORryde.

• Laser Operators (Flat & Tube) • Press Brake Operators • Saw Operators • CNC Machining Operators • Welders (Aluminum, Booth & Chassis) • Robotic Weld Operators • Powder Coaters

Competitive pay • Production bonuses

• Painters

$3/hour shift premiums (off-shifts)

• Assemblers

Sign-on bonuses (off-shifts) • Healthcare benefits

• Material Handlers

401 (k) with match • Paid vacations & holidays

• Service Technicians • Class A CDL Drivers

OPEN POSITIONS

If you are looking for a positive

Apply at MORrydeCareers.com

Channel 34.3

PBS KIDS 24/7 CHANNEL ON WNIT ACTIVITY PAGE

watch! play! learn! wnit.org/pbskids247 Buddy, Tiny, Shiny and Don are forming a new club: The Nature Trackers! They built a clubhouse nest where they can store their nature collections. Can you circle a shell, some leaves, two rocks and some twigs on this page to add to their collection?

You can be a Nature Tracker, too! Go on a hunt for twigs, leaves and other nature things in your own neighborhood.

STADIUM MAP TICKET INFORMATION IN ADVANCE / DAY OF

Field Box

$11 / $12

Dugout Box

$13 / $14

Home Run Porch

$15 / $16

Party Patio

$15 / $16

(Sections 101-104 & 115-118) (Sections 105-114)

(Subject to Availability)

BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday (non game days) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday - Sunday (non game days) Closed Monday - Friday (game days) 10:00 a.m. - End of 7th Inning Saturday - Sunday (game days) 10:00 a.m. - End of 7th Inning

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM

THE MIDAS TOUCH

Wherever Derek Casey goes, he wins

By Max Thoma 019 was Derek Casey’s second season in Minor League Baseball, and his first full season after spending 2018 with the then short-season affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Eugene Emeralds. Despite three separate stints on the 7-Day IL in 2019, Casey was able to log 22 appearances, all for the then Low-A South Bend Cubs, 21 of them starts. Casey was a part of a 2019 South Bend team that ended the season on a tear, going 7-0 in the playoffs and winning their last nine games of the season altogether. The then 23-year-old pitcher made one postseason start in game two of the semi-final at Dow Diamond vs. the Great Lakes Loons. That night Casey went four innings and allowed just one run. He exited with the Cubs ahead 4-1 and they would go on to clinch a berth in the Midwest League Championship with a 7-3 win that day.

Derek Casey pitches in game 2 of the Midwest League Eastern Division Championship. (September 8, 2019) Photo credit: Casey McDonald

Three games later the Cubs blanked the Clinton LumberKings 5-0, tossing a two-hitter and earning the title, the team’s first since becoming a Chicago Cubs affiliate. The next spring in Arizona the members of the 2019 South Bend Cubs got their championship rings. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing these Andrew Berlin designed rings, well they are the biggest in the history of Minor League Baseball. And at least in this scenario, bigger means better. The reaction of every player when they got their respective rings was pure joy, even for Casey, who let’s just say has his fair share of championship rings. “My junior year I pitched six innings in the final game,” said Casey. “I had pitched earlier in the week so I actually hit my allowed inning limit and couldn’t go the full seven. Then my senior year I pitched the final game as well, I can’t remember how many innings I threw. I did get the win in both though.” Those are the words of a man who has been there and done that. Casey is referencing his junior and senior seasons at Hanover High School in Virginia. In both seasons his high school, of about 1,300 students, won the state title in baseball. And it wasn’t like Hanover was a powerhouse when Casey got there; the title he helped them win his junior season was the first state title the school had ever won on the diamond. The right-hander from Mechanicsville, Va. had one of the more dominant high school baseball careers I’ve ever seen. Across four years he went 27-0 and finished with an ERA of 0.51. I mean, my goodness. How am I even supposed to put that kind of dominance into words? Continued on page 26... Instagram @SBCubs

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ...Continued from page 24 That season in 2014 he was the Virginia player of the year, was named a Second-Team High School All-American by Perfect Game and was named to MaxPreps 2014 Medium Schools All-America Team. And that’s a MaxPreps All-America Team that included Alex Verdugo, who is now already in his fifth MLB season, and Brendan McKay, who made his MLB debut in 2019 and is the number 55 prospect in all of baseball. Not only did Casey never get tagged with a loss at Hanover, while allowing basically one earned run every 18 innings, he capped of his career in grand fashion. While he said he couldn’t remember how far he went into the Virginia state championship game in 2014, I looked it up, and well, he tossed a complete game. His team won 7-1 that day and the one run he allowed was unearned. An incredible high school career made Casey a highly touted prospect and eventually led to a tough decision for any 18 year old to make; take a large sum of money and go pro, or continue your education and go play collegiately. The Chicago Cubs were going to take Casey and offer him $900,000 in either the third or fourth round of the 2014 MLB First Year Player Draft; he turned down the offer. He was committed to going to play college baseball in his home state for the Virginia Cavaliers.

The Saint Louis Cardinals still took their shot at Casey, picking him in the 22nd round of the draft, but he enrolled at UVA instead. In his freshman season Casey was stellar. He began the year in the bullpen but worked his way to being the team’s midweek starter. From March 25 to April 21 of his 2015 season, Casey made five-straight midweek starts, and Virginia won all five games. In fact, on March 25 Casey got his first collegiate win at Liberty University on the same field where his team clinched the 2014 Virginia state title game.

Casey vs. the Fort Wayne Tincaps. (May 26, 2021) Photo credit: Casey McDonald To be attending the University of Virginia was already a big deal for Casey, to be pitching well from the start of his freshman season was icing on the cake. “Virginia was always at the top of my list for where I wanted to go to college, for both baseball and for school,” Casey said. “Plus it was only an hour away from where I grew up, so it just worked out to be a perfect fit.” Continued on page 28...

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

SPONSORED BY

ARTBEATSOUTHBEND.ORG

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ...Continued from page 26 But on April 21 Casey exited the game after just two-and-two-thirds innings with an apparent elbow injury. The injury required Tommy John surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the season. And it wound up being a season for the history books. On June 24 the Virginia Cavaliers knocked off the Vanderbilt Commodores 4-2 and won their first College World Series crown in program history. The team had made the final the year before and lost to Vandy. This time around they came back from a 1-0 series hole, winning the next two of the best-of-three championship series. Casey didn’t get to play in the postseason but did get to celebrate with his teammates, and he personally got to celebrate a third straight title-winning season. “I think I had a lot of good luck winning those titles and I was just in the right place at the right time, but it was cool to go from a high school stage where you’re thinking you’re at the top, to going to a whole other level of being

at the top at the College World Series. He sat out the following season recovering from surgery and then picked up right where he left off. Casey emerged as a weekend starter during the 2017 season, making 14 starts and going 5-2 with a 3.79 ERA. He allowed two runs or fewer in his first seven starts and capped off the season by picking up a win in an NCAA Regional game vs Dallas Baptist, tossing seven innings, allowing just three runs and not issuing a single free pass. His final season he stepped it up even more. In 2018 Casey had earned the coveted spot of being named the team’s Friday night starter. He once again made 14 starts, but this time his 14 starts accumulated 24.1 more innings. The local product finished with a staff-low 3.48 ERA and he logged a team-high nine quality starts. In late February Casey set a new career-high with a 12-strikeout performance vs. Eastern Kentucky, and then next time out he matched that with another 12 punch outs, this time vs. Yale.

EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE TRIPLE PLAY!

Instagram @SBCubs

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 After his final season at Virginia, once again it was the Chicago Cubs that came calling, selecting Casey in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Like many college starting pitchers, Casey spent his first pro season in shortseason baseball, and logged just 7.2 innings. But the following year he spent the entire season with the South Bend Cubs, pitching over 100 innings and once again helping his ballclub bring home a title. In 2021 Casey once again found himself back in South Bend on Opening Day. The South Bend Cubs went from the Low-A Midwest League up to High-A in a rebranded High-A Central; Casey made the move up with them. This campaign has been his best pro season to date. As of writing this on July 26, Casey sits third in the entire High-A Central with a 3.24 ERA. Continued on page 30...

Twitter @SBCubs

On May 6, 2019, with then Chicago Cubs catcher Victor Caratini on a rehab assignment, Casey threw seven perfect innings and combined with Peyton Remy for a no-hitter as South Bend beat Cedar Rapids 2-0. Photo credit: Casey McDonald

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM ...Continued from page 29 “I think what is really helping me this year is just throwing strikes and going out there and being competitive. Some days I get hit but I always attack the zone and the let the defense behind me do their thing.” The right-hander Casey ready to deliver a continues pitch vs. Beloit. (July 8, to grow and 2021)Photo credit: Casey develop on the McDonald mound. His changeup looks better than it ever has and while his fastball isn’t the highest velocity fastball on the staff, he draws plenty of whiffs with it up in the zone. On May 20 he set a new pro careerhigh with eight strikeouts, a total he matched just three starts later, and then surpassed with an 11-strikeout performance on June 24. His 11 strikeouts that day vs. Fort Wayne remain a season high for any Cubs pitcher. Just when there was so much buzz around Casey and his season numbers were potentially warranting a promotion, he left a start on July 8 with an injury

and was placed on the 7-day IL the next day. It’s unclear exactly when he will get a chance to return to the rubber, but every stop on his journey so far he has proven to be a winner, and he’s already come back from Tommy John Surgery and just got better. Casey isn’t the most emotional pitcher when he’s out there on the mound. He quietly goes about his business, and wherever he goes championships follow.

Casey (far right) poses with the Midwest League trophy with (L-R) Cam Sanders, Casey Ryan, and Blake Whitney. (September 14, 2019) Photo credit: Casey McDonald

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM

www.SouthBendCubs.MiLBstore.com

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM 7 D.J. Artis

Year 2018 2019

Team

League

Full Name: Darryl Reginald Artis

Height: 5’9”

Born: Greensboro, NC

Weight: 165

Resides: Greensboro, NC

B/T: L/L

Opening Day Age: 24

DOB: 3/20/97

Acquired: 7th round of 2018 Draft by CHC

Pro Exp.: 2

Original: 7th round of 2018 Draft by CHC

College: Liberty

Level

ORG

AVG

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

Cubs 2

AZL

CHC

.286

.500

.286

.786

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

.235

.321

.382

.703

Cubs 2

AZL

CHC

.188

.350

.188

.538

South Bend

MID

CHC

.267

176

.390

.375

.765

Myrtle Beach

CAR

A+

CHC

.250

.286

.250

.536

.255

314

.367

.347

.714

MiLB Totals

Bryce Ball

INF

Full Name: Brycelin Steven Ball

Height: 6’6”

Born: Mason City, IA

Weight: 240

Resides: Mason City, IA

B/T: L/R

Opening Day Age: 23

DOB: 7/08/98

Acquired: Trade with ATL

Pro Exp.: 1

Original: 24th round of 2019 Draft by ATL

College: Dallas Baptist

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

AVG

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

2019

Danville

APP

ATL

.324

145

.410

.676

1.086

Rome

SAL

ATL

.337

.367

.547

.913

.329

231

.395

.628

1.023

MiLB Totals

Ryan Reynolds

Full Name: Ryan Shane Reynolds

Height: 6’2”

Born: Sugar Land, TX

Weight: 215

Resides: Sugar Land, TX

B/T: S/R

Opening Day Age: 23

DOB: 7/17/97

Acquired: 14th round of 2019 Draft by CHC

Pro Exp.: 1

Original: 14th round of 2019 Draft by CHC Year

Team

2019

Cubs 1

AZL

Eugene

NWL

MiLB Totals

League Level

INF

College: Texas

ORG

AVG

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

CHC

..248

129

.342

.380

.722

SS-A

CHC

.182

.286

.236

.522

.228

184

.325

.337

.662

Instagram @SBCubs

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM 5

Scott McKeon

Full Name: Scott Thomas McKeon

Height: 6'0”

Born: Raleigh, NC

Weight: 185

Resides: Raleigh, NC

B/T: R/R

Opening Day Age: 23

DOB: 10/30/97

Acquired: Signed as NDFA, 2020

Pro Exp.: R

Original: Signed as NDFA, 2020

INF

College: Coastal Carolina

Year

Team

League

Level

AVG

RBI

OBP

SLG

2019

Coastal Carolina

SBC

NCAA

.340

256

.399

.484

.883

2020

Coastal Carolina

SBC

NCAA

.359

.440

.563

1.003

.344

320

110

.407

.500

.907

College Totals

Yonathan Perlaza

Full Name: Yonathan Jesus Perlaza

OPS

Height: 5'11”

Born: Paramo Tucani, Venezuela

Weight: 170

Resides: Paramo Tucani, Venezuela

B/T: S/R

Opening Day Age: 22

DOB: 11/10/98

Acquired: Signed as IFA, 2015 by Cubs

Pro Exp.: 4

Original: Signed as IFA, 2015 by Cubs

College: N/A

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

AVG

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

2016

DSL Cubs

DSL

CHC

.256

223

.311

.386

.697

2017

Cubs

AZL

CHC

.235

102

.278

.314

.592

2018

Cubs 1

AZL

CHC

.317

183

.365

.404

.769

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

.111

.222

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

.293

.333

.434

.768

South Bend

MID

CHC

.238

.333

.667

.270

189

700

189

170

.324

.377

.701

2019

MiLB Totals

Hunter Bigge

Full Name: Hunter Bradford Bigge

Height: 6'1”

Born: Los Gatos, CA

Weight: 205

Resides: Los Gatos, CA

B/T: R/R

Opening Day Age: 22

DOB: 6/12/98

Acquired: 12th Round of 2019 Draft by CHC

Pro Exp.: 1

Original: 12th Round of 2019 Draft by CHC

RHP

College: Harvard

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

W-L

ERA

SHO

2019

Cubs 1

AZL

CHC

0-0

0.00

1.0

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

2-0

1.20

15.0

2-0

1.13

16.0

MiLB Totals

MICHIANA'S MORNING NEWS

Facebook.com/SouthBendCubs

FIRST PITCH GAME PROGRAM 21

Matteo Bocchi

Full Name: Matteo Bocchi

RHP

Height: 6'4”

Born: Parma, Italy

Weight: 205

Resides: Parma, Italy

B/T: R/R

Opening Day Age: 24

DOB: 7/19/96

Acquired: Signed as FA in 2019

Pro Exp.: 1

Original: Signed as FA in 2019

College: Texas

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

W-L

ERA

SHO

2019

Cubs 2

AZL

CHC

1-2

4.40

14.1

Iowa

PCL

AAA

CHC

0-0

0.00

2.2

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

1-0

2.03

13.1

2-2

2.97

30.1

MiLB Totals

Blake Whitney

Full Name: Samuel Reyes

RHP

Height: 6'3”

Born: Sharpsburg, GA

Weight: 185

Resides: Shaprsburg, GA

B/T: R/R

Opening Day Age: 24

DOB: 5/25/96

Acquired: 24th Round of 2018 Draft by CHC

Pro Exp.: 2

Original: 24th Round of 2018 Draft by CHC

College: South Carolina-Upstate

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

W-L

ERA

SHO

2018

Cubs 2

AZL

CHC

2-3

2.30

31.1

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

4-0

3.19

53.2

South Bend

MID

CHC

0-0

6.00

3.0

6-3

2.97

88.0

103

2019

MiLB Totals

44 Joe Nahas Full Name: Joseph Paul Nahas

Height: 6'1"

Born: Pottsville, PA

Weight: 185

Resides: Pottsville, PA

B/T: R/R

Opening Day Age: 21

DOB: 11/14/99

Acquired: Signed as FA in 2019

Pro Exp.: 1

Original:Signed as FA in 2019

RHP

College: Georgia Southern

Year

Team

League

Level

ORG

W-L

ERA

SHO

2019

Cubs 1

AZL

CHC

0-1

27.00

1.2

Eugene

NWL

SS-A

CHC

0-1

3.21

14.0

0-2

5.74

15.2

MiLB Totals

www.SouthBendCubs.MiLBstore.com

Seize the day, and victory will follow.

In baseball and in life, there’s only one day you’re in control of: today. We’re proud to support the South Bend Cubs as they work to make it one to remember. Contact Santiago Rodriguez Business Banking Relationship Manager 574-252-0044 santiago.rodriguez@pnc.com pnc.com