Issuu

You’ll find what you’re looking for at Four Winds Casino South Bend. Take in a show at Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center featuring headliner entertainment. Enjoy entertainment on weekends, 1,950 slots, 12 live poker tables, and 27 table games. Place your bets on your favorite sporting events at our Sportsbook. Then, tempt your tastebuds at the best restaurants in Indiana including Copper Rock Steakhouse, Kankakee Grille, and Edgewater Café.

Looking for a relaxing retreat? Make plans at the Four Winds Hotel and recharge at Cedar Spa. We have everything you need for a perfect getaway. Four Winds South Bend Casino Hotel and Spa is Your Entertainment Escape!

Keep Moving Forward

Shortstop Jefferson Rojas stays close to roots in meteoric rise up the Cubs system

By: Brendan King

Let’s wind the clocks back to Opening Day at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa at the very start of this 2024 season. April 5, very chilly, the wind blowing in off the Mississippi River. It wasn’t exactly your most ideal conditions to play a baseball game. Add to the fact, the South Bend Cubs were facing Kansas City Royals top pitching prospect Ben Kudrna on the mound.

None of that mattered for new South Bend shortstop Jefferson Rojas.

A fellow top prospect himself, the 18-year-old Rojas was making his High-A Midwest League debut in Quad Cities. Rojas was coming off a spectacular year in his first full season at Low-A Myrtle Beach. Being mentored by former South Bend manager Buddy Bailey, Rojas came to South Bend will plenty of confidence, and the proper preparation. That allowed him to not be phased by the cold conditions in Iowa, and facing the talented right-hander Kudrna.

So, that’s where this story begins. His first swing as a South Bend Cub. A memorable one. A big drive, and a ball hammered over the right-field wall. A home run.

Rojas had gone yard in his first High-A

at-bat. As he turned around the bases, South Bend manager Nick Lovullo was waiting for him at the third base coaches box for a highfive. The Cubs, and Rojas himself, could not have dreamed of a better start.

Rojas covering second base and slapping down a tag on a stolen base attempt against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Credit: Dr. Tim Reilly.

“The first thing that stands out about Jefferson is how mature he is and how well he handles himself for being so young,” Lovullo said. “He’s well below the league average in age, but one of our most advanced players. He’s a legit hitter, has legitimate power and can hit to all fields.”

Following a road trip to Dayton, Rojas stuck around for an extra few minutes after the team got home to sit down with me for an interview, discussing his young and promising career. A few weeks after that game in Quad Cities, Rojas turned 19-years-old, and continues to impress. South Bend Cubs development coach Collin Andrews joined along in the interview, for translating purposes.

“The first thing about playing here in South Bend is that I am grateful for the opportunity,” Rojas said through Andrews’ translation. “It’s a huge part of my heart to play the game of baseball. It’s something I really enjoy not just for my career, but as a big part of my life. I love expressing my dedication, commitment, and hard work that my family taught me in my childhood.”

Talking to Rojas, even with the language translation taking an extra few moments, you

... continued from previous page.

could tell Rojas is working very hard in the Chicago Cubs english-as-a-second-language program. He picked out key words about the game, his family, and other things, and a noticeable smile and smirk appeared on his face. As well as a twinkle in his eye. Rojas loves the game, through and through. And the love was born from his family, and his father in particular, supporting him.

“I remember watching my dad play when I was little, ever since I was five years old,” Rojas said. “I fell in love with the game from the first day I saw it. And it’s the same love today when I’m 19, as it was when I was five.”

Eventually as Rojas got older, it was time to start thinking about his own baseball career. In the Dominican Republic, professional aspirations can begin as early as 12-years-old for players. That’s when they start to get scouted, begin to practice more consistently, and meet representatives of Major League Baseball teams.

As 12-years-old, Rojas joined a baseball academy, where 100 percent of his life became baseball. This forced him to not only step out of his comfort zone from a game perspective, but also being away from his family.

“Truthfully it’s not very easy to do that,” Rojas said. “You were away from your family a lot. Even still in the Dominican, I was not with my family.”

That is what made the transition to the coming to the United States relatively easier for Rojas. In his home country, he did not have his family by his side. He knew that it would be the same way in the USA, but also add the new environment and language barrier.

“When I was at the academy, I didn’t think I could make it six or seven months without my family,” Rojas said. “To be honest, that’s what prepared me to live in the United States.”

Still, this was his dream. And it was the Chicago Cubs who made that dream come

true.

“The Cubs started to evaluate when I was 14,” Rojas reminisced.

“When I got a little older, Chicago held tryouts in the Dominican. They invited me, and from there, the relationship built.”

Rojas gets the flip up the middle and attempts to turn a double play, firing a throw to first base against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Credit: Dr. Tim Reilly.

Those meetings in the Dominican Republic led to a contract signing in 2022. Rojas inked a free agent deal with Chicago for one million dollars. Life changing money for anyone, but even more so for a 16-year-old. It was the official start of this working relationship between the team and player, which has led Rojas to South Bend today.

Rojas has consistently displayed an inherent ability to work terrific at-bats, and show a strong grasp of the strike zone. At the time of the All-Star Break this season, Rojas had a strikeout rate of 15 percent. Most outlets consider 20 percent as the range where a player with a ‘good’ strikeout rate stands.

This season, Rojas has not had an at-bat against a pitcher younger than him; Something he is more than used to.

“Since I was 14 or 15, I’ve been facing veterans who are older than me and throwing as hard as the guys in the Midwest League,” Rojas added. “I’m comfortable hitting here because I’ve seen it for the last number of years.”

...THEN WE HAVE JUST THE THING FOR YOU.

Bring out your inner super-fan. Join the Cubs 1st Club from 1st Source Bank and the South Bend Cubs and get more of what you are passionate about. Catch the game for less. Membership gives you the power to get 10% off game tickets, food, merchandise, special event tickets and more!

Access to exclusive members-only events and special experiences. Get the best banking service from the area’s best bank. The Cubs 1st Club is a full-featured checking account that gives you the ability of mobile banking, and a powerful contactless debit card you can use everywhere you shop.

... continued from previous page.

Rojas is quickly climbing up the ranks of the Cubs organization. Per MLB Pipeline, he is currently listed as the number-eight Cubs prospect.

the blue pinstripes.

“The first thing I thought when I walked out and saw the grass, and scoreboard, and ivy was that I wanted to be somebody that represents this team on this field,” Rojas said. “I want to play here.”

“He doesn’t chase a ton,” Chicago Cubs Assistant General Manager Jared Banner said to Baseball America in an interview with the outlet. “He has good pitch recognition and he makes a lot of contact, so he avoids getting himself out. He avoids strikeouts, and when you have a quality swing with the bat speed he has and the ability to to make contact with the baseball, good things happen.”

Earlier this season, the South Bend Cubs were given the opportunity to have a team practice session at Wrigley Field. For Rojas, who signed with Chicago two years ago, and has been being scouted by the team since he was just entering his teenage years, it was his first time ever at The Federal Landmark.

It left a lasting impression of why he works so hard. To one day play there, wearing

When he first started watching his dad play baseball when he was a toddler, to when he first arrived at his academy, to being signed by the Chicago Cubs, and to today, Rojas and his family consistently repeated one particular phrase that would always ring true.

‘Seguir avanzando’. Translated to, ‘keep moving forward’.

“To get to Wrigley, first and foremost I have to follow my routine,” Rojas said.

“Secondly, I have to control what I can control, and lastly, God has his time for everybody. I will follow God’s time.”

Rojas shares a smile while playing catch and warming up for a game in right field at Four Winds Field. Credit: Ethan Levy.

Rojas celebrating in the dugout with his teammates after clubbing a home run in his first Midwest League at-bat at Quad Cities. Credit: Ethan Levy.

Paying The Bills

South Bend Cubs Pitching Coach

Bruce Billings lived big league dream, now mentoring the next generation

By: Brendan King

May 27, 2011. Coors Field. In a match-up between the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies in Denver, a new Rockies call-up named Bruce Billings was set to make his MLB debut on the mound. Billings, a former 30th-round pick by Colorado, had made it all the way to the Major Leagues after a successful run through the Rockies farm system. He was set to face Albert Pujols and the potent Cardinals offense, who would go on to win that season’s World Series, in his first taste of Big League ball.

April 25, 2014. Yankee Stadium. A game in The Bronx between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the New York Yankees. A recent Yankees free agent signing, Bruce Billings, was called upon out of the bullpen to make his team debut with The Bronx Bombers.

Nearly three years after his Big League debut, it was a lineup that he was familiar with. Once again, he was set to face Albert Pujols, in what would be his final taste of Big League ball.

Between those two dates, a lifelong dream was lived for Billings, who is in his first season as South Bend Cubs pitching coach.

The San Diego, California native grew up well aware of his talent, but also conscious

of a key trait that he has always possessed; Humility. On a daily basis in South Bend, Billings is seen with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, not bringing with him to the ballpark each day any anger or hostility of something that might’ve happened the night before. He learned that at an early age.

“Baseball is so humbling,” Billings said. “I’ve kind of learned to embrace each and every day as a new opportunity. I went through some things in high school where I felt like I needed to change my outlook on life. And I ran into some literature that helped me through that, to remind myself of positive things and goals to set. I try to see life in not just challenges that will hold you back, but finding the joy in challenges to overcome.”

In his time in college with the San Diego State Aztecs, the San Diego native Billings throws a pitch on the mound.

Credit: San Diego State University.

After being selected by the Rockies out of San Diego State University, it was time to report to the professional ranks. The first stop, the Northwest League. Pasco, Washington. Home of the Tri-City Dust Devils. Billings dominated short-season ball, posting a 2.97 ERA in 15 starts. As he rose up the Rockies system, eventually ‘the call’ came. He was going to The Show.

Back to May 27, 2011. A mile high in Denver. It was the day that Billings had always strived for. Bring on the Cardinals. By the way, Pujols didn’t have a hit.

“My parents were able to go to that game and that’s something I’ll always remember,” Billings said. “Troy Tulowitzki made an amazing play at second, and it was cool to have Todd Helton playing first base behind me.” Billings later joked, “I just remember being mad after though because I gave up two runs in an inning and didn’t strike out anybody”

That first Major League strikeout would come later that summer. But not with the Rockies.

Billings was traded to the Oakland Athletics after his Big League debut with the Rockies on June 30, 2011. The trade to Oakland struck Billings. Very few people in the world will ever experience the feeling of being traded. Billings said he was prepared to be a Rockie for his whole career, and now he was an ‘A’.

He would go on to make three appearances with Oakland in 2011. The first, August 14 against the Texas Rangers. That game would also feature his first MLB strikeout, longtime Ranger, Michael Young, as well as Mike Napoli, current Chicago Cubs first base

coach.

“I remember the strikeout to Young was a bad slider and I don’t know what he was swinging at,” Billings joked. “I thought on the mound in my head that ‘oh man, this is going to be my first strikeout’. I did not know that was going to be the pitch to do it, but I had a really good feeling about it.”

If you ask Bruce about the pitch to Napoli to strike him out, Napoli was very upset about the call, and catcher Kurt Suzuki framed it beautifully. Also, Billings has yet to mention the ‘K’ to Napoli at Spring Training in Mesa. Maybe someday.

“There were so many good things that happened because of that trade,” Billings reminisced. “That game I pitched against the Rangers, it happened to be the same weekend I met my now-wife. Not just good things happened, great things, for my life as a whole.”

There are a bunch of connections to Billings’ time with the A’s that don’t just include Napoli. The first game that he pitched with Oakland was in relief of future Cub at the time, and now former Cubs right-hander Rich Harden. And also playing that day for the A’s, future Cub and now Marquee Sports Network analyst Ryan Sweeney.

Billings makes his Major League debut on the mound for the Colorado Rockies on May 27, 2011 at Coors Field. Credit: Colorado Rockies.

Bruce Billings pitched for the New York Yankees in 2014, working his final big league game on the mound in pinstripes. He poses for his Yankees headshot. Credit: New York Yankees / Getty Images.

... continued from previous page.

Lastly, some foreshadowing. The last time Billings put on the Oakland green and yellow, August 25, 2011. Yankee Stadium. Pitching against the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and more. What he wouldn’t know, his next Big League appearance following that point would also be in The Bronx, but he would be wearing the navy pinstripes.

Billings walking to the dugout in preparation for a game as the Cubs sport their white and purple Cancer Awareness Night jerseys. Credit: Ethan Levy.

That brings us to April 25, 2014. Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and the Angels in the city that never sleeps. The final MLB appearance for Billings was on the horizon, and he knew to soak it all in. As he ran to the mound from the Yankee Stadium bullpen, the thoughts were circling.

“You work your whole career to be a Big Leaguer,” Billings said. “When I got called into that game, I thought ‘this might be my last opportunity’. So I tried to enjoy it and take it all in.”

One of his seven strikeouts that day, Trout.

And Pujols did not reach base. Pujols is a career 0/4 against Billings. Not bad; especially against a guy who is just one of four people to ever walk planet Earth that have 700 home runs.

The sun was setting on the playing career for Billings, who hung around a couple years after in the Minor Leagues. The passion for the game never expired though, and the opportunity to teach came about.

Following his time spending last season on Buddy Bailey’s staff in Myrtle Beach, Billings was elevated to the South Bend Cubs pitching coach. And just like his time on a Big League mound, he’s thankful for each day.

“I’m just glad I can give back to the game,” Billings said. “I’ve felt very blessed in my career to have so many opportunities. And I come from a humble family. Everything was earned. I feel like it’s in my blood to give back.”

Billings and South Bend Cubs manager Nick Lovullo watch a game and coach from the first base side dugout. Credit: Casey McDonald.

so much more than HEALTH INSURANCE

2024 SOUTH BEND CUBS COACHING STAFF

Nick Lovullo - Manager

Nick Lovullo’s time with the Cubs organization began as a coach two years ago. A former Boston Red Sox prospect, the 30-year-old was drafted in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Draft by Boston, after a collegiate career at Holy Cross. He grew up and played his high school baseball in Thousand Oaks, California. In his first pro season, Lovullo was promoted as high as Double-A Portland. His professional career concluded in 2021, in a stop with the Miami Marlins organization, as well as independent baseball. The son of Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, Nick became the Double-A Tennessee Smokies bench coach in 2022 and managed the Arizona Complex League Cubs in 2023.

Bruce Billings - Pitching Coach

Bruce Billings joins South Bend following a successful year with Low-A Myrtle Beach as their pitching coach. Under Billings the Pelicans pitching staff posted the lowest opposing batting average in the Carolina League in 2023, as well as the second most strikeouts. The former big leaguer was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 2007 MLB Draft. He was San Diego State’s all-time strikeout leader before Stephen Strasburg broke his record. Billings made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2011 and pitched with the Oakland A's and New York Yankees. The right-hander also pitched overseas in Taiwan and China. Prior to joining the Cubs he coached within the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

Nate Spears - Hitting Coach

Nate Spears begins his first season with the South Bend Cubs as the team’s new hitting coach. Spears began his playing career with the Baltimore Orioles, after they selected him in the fifth-round of the 2003 MLB Draft. The Fort Myers, Fla. native was traded by the Orioles to the Northsiders in the Corey Patterson deal in 2006. Spears played for former South Bend manager Buddy Bailey in 2008 with Double-A Tennessee, and made it to Triple-A Iowa. His career then took him to the Boston Red Sox, where he made his MLB debut. Spears played for Boston in 2011 and 2012. As a coach, he stayed with the Red Sox, and wound-up coaching Nick Lovullo when the new South Bend skipper was a Red Sox prospect.

Kyle Moore Bench Coach

Nick Roberts Athletic Trainer

Kelcey Mosley Strength and Conditioning Coach

Collin Andrews Dev Coach (hitting)

Andrew Rueter Dev Coach (pitching)

CATCHERS

PITCHERS

It’s About The People

South Bend Cubs bus driver Gary Phillips has lived baseball dream behind the wheel

By: Brendan King

Gary Phillips didn’t know exactly what he was signing up for when he took a trip over to the Royal Excursion bus company headquarters in 2017. He was looking for short-term work, not knowing a long-term, life altering opportunity would follow.

Originally a native of South Bend, and living up in Traverse City, Michigan at the time, Phillips was back in his hometown to be with his father; Who was going through a longterm medical procedure. Phillips walked into the Royal Excursion offices, offering his help to the company, in hopes of finding a gig that would keep him busy for six months while he helped his dad.

You name it, the ubiquitous Phillips has probably done it. He already had a commercial driver’s license from his time driving a school bus in Traverse City. All of that, after previously serving as an english and history teacher, as well as his longest term job, a certified senior sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry with Pfizer.

“I was a school teacher with no business experience,” Phillips said. “I interviewed with Pfizer and they gave me a job. I don’t know how it happened. What I learned after the fact, because I became a district manager and I hired people, is that they required three things. The ability to communicate, the ability to sell and convince somebody of some-

thing, and the ability to learn. I never had an academics problem, so I must have persuaded them on the other things too.”

The pharmacy industry was intense. A very much ‘what have you done for me lately’ type of business. Still, Phillips was able to thrive because of his ability to connect with people. The career also led him to meeting his wife, Donna.

Phillips’ job featured visiting physicians and doctors all around the state of Michigan, in hopes of selling the drug that his team was manufacturing and distributing. The goal? Persuade each doctor that he visited to adopt the drug into their rolodex to prescribe to their patients. It just so happened that one of those doctors, is now his wife. Gary and Donna had their first ever conversation in a pharmaceutical drug closet.

Sporting his full shirt and tie uniform, Phillips stands next to his Royal Excursion bus for a photo prior to departing on at trip. Credit: Gary Phillips.

“There is high corporate pressure to always succeed at a quota,” Phillips said. “It does not matter what you did last year, it matters what you do now. So, if I tear it up one year, and do 140 percent of quota, you have to do better the next year. Guess what. That’s baseball, isn’t it?”

... continued from previous page.

Now back to that day in 2017 at the Royal Excursion offices. Phillips had no idea where the potential job driving something other than a school bus would be like. After the two sides came to an agreement, one of the first assignments came in baseball. A fill-in opportunity with the South Bend Cubs.

Phillips drove the Cubs once in 2017. At the time, Jimmy Gonzalez was the South Bend manager. Phillips went so above and beyond on that trip, that Gonzalez asked South Cubs Cubs President Joe Hart for Gary to be the fulltime guy.

Ask and you shall receive. Phillips became South Bend’s full-time bus driver in 2018; My first year broadcasting with the team.

Just by comparison, my first year broadcasting pro-ball, I had zero friendship with my previous team’s bus driver. It was a friendly working relationship. “Hi, hello, how are ya, thanks for the ride.” That’s it. On my

first road trip to West Michigan in 2018. I knew things were different with Gary Phillips.

Packing the bus in 30-degree wind chill, Gary was smiling, joking around with the players that he knew from the year before, hugging the coaches. This wasn’t your typical bus driver. The personality comes from his time growing up in the game.

A native of South Bend, and a graduate of the Grace Baptist High School, class of 1978. The son of Sid and Joan Phillips fell in love with baseball at a young age. To this day, he can name you the starting lineup of the 1969 Chicago Cubs.

His uncle, Robert, who everybody called Uncle Bob, was a die-hard Cubs fan. While traveling with his family on summer vacations, Uncle Bob always had Cubs radio on. Whether the AM radio signal was strong or crackling or even intelligible, Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau were always dialed in.

“My uncle was the athlete of the family,” Phillips said. “I would go over to his house,

Gary Phillips, and his wife, Donna, pose for a selfie together while enjoying a South Bend Cubs game on the road. Credit: Gary Phillips.

Gary Phillips and Brendan King take a moment for a photo together after Phillips drove the visiting basketball team to Hinkle Fieldhouse, and King was on the call. Credit: Gary Phillips.

... continued from previous page.

and he would say ‘go grab the gloves’. Not hi, not how are you, let’s play catch. He would get down like a catcher and say ‘alright hit my glove.’ And that helped me become a better player.”

From all those times in the yard playing catch with his uncle, that propelled Phillips to play Little League Baseball. His coach asked him to pitch, and he threw a no-hitter in his first ever game on the mound as a kid. 16 strikeouts. Dominant. He would play high school baseball, before embarking on a Division III collegiate career at Pillsbury College in Minnesota. Phillips and his teammates won a collegiate championship in 1982.

But then came the real world. Teaching, soliciting the next big drug in the pharmaceutical world. And then came that day in 2017 at Royal Excursion.

Now in his sixth full season driving the South Bend Cubs across the Midwest League, it’s been a heck of a ride for Phillips. He’s met and gotten close with all kinds of players.

Phillips and South Bend Cubs pitcher Joe Nahas pose for a photo together at Wrigley Field in the third base side dugout as South Bend practices and hits at ‘The Friendly Confines’. Credit: Gary Phillips.

Some in second careers of their own, some now playing at Wrigley Field. Plus, all the managers along the way. I would pay to have some of the conversations I heard between Gary and 2019 South Bend manager Buddy Bailey on tape. They remain close friends.

There’s been plenty of life altering and impacting moments on the job with the Cubs. He’s lost both of his parents during his time on this job. Two Midwest League championships have been won. And he got to take a trip back to his roots earlier in 2024.

The South Bend Cubs were given the opportunity to work out and take batting practice at Wrigley Field back in April. Phillips drove the team there, and he got the same all-access as the rest of the players, coaches, and staff. One person came to mind; Uncle Bob. He took Gary to his first game in 1967.

“That’s why it was special going to Wrigley,” Phillips said. “I was seven years old that first game. The first time you walk up the stairs there, and all of a sudden it appears. That grass is the greenest grass you’ve ever seen in your entire life. That’s what I thought about.”

As the bus driver for the South Bend Cubs, it’s a lot more than just getting from point A to point B. In the past, the rides were a lot longer and crazier late at night with few off days. That’s not so much the case anymore. Still, at the end of the day for Phillips, it’s about the people.

“I’d have to summarize this whole job as it’s about serving people,” Phillips said. “My dad always said, take care of people, and everything else will fall into place.”

Swoop Leaves the Nest

Longtime South Bend mascot and feathered friend to everyone in Michiana will retire at the end of the season

By: Max Thoma

Ever since Mr. Met, the San Diego Chicken, and the Phillie Phanatic became household names, mascots have been part of the fabric of the game of baseball in the United States.

Mr. Met began his run 60 years ago in 1964, and it was nearly 30 years ago that South Bend welcomed in a very special mascot to the diamond for the first time.

Now on August 25 a beloved character in South Bend will flap his wings for the final time at Four Winds Field.

Swoop, the Silver Hawk, has been a mascot here for 28 glorious years and in late

February of this year he announced that this would be his final season before retiring.

Swoop is etched into this organization's very identity, having been here in South Bend longer than any actual player on the active roster has even been alive.

From the dramatic mascot introductions prior to the start of every home game, to signing autographs, dancing on dugouts, taking pictures with countless fans, and so much more - Swoop's impact has been felt by an immeasurable number of fans who have walked through the gates into Four Winds Field.

He’ll be going out in style on his own bobblehead day, with the first 1,000 fans in attendance for his final game going home with a bobblehead of the ornithological sensation, plus there will be an appearance from his longtime buddy Clark the Cub, the mascot of the Chicago Cubs.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have done this as long as I have,” said Swoop through interpreter Alan Rubin at his press conference this past winter. “It’s been tough the last few years not being at every game. I want to be at my best when I’m in the stadium and out in the community. But this is a special group and a wonderful organization. I’m forever grateful to be a part of this franchise and do this as long as I have.”

Swoop has been an invaluable member of the South Bend Cubs organization for nearly three decades and has brought so much joy

Swoop made his debut as the mascot of the South Bend Silver Hawks on April 8, 1997.

Photo Credit: South Bend Baseball Archives.

Cubs top-10 prospect Kevin Alcantara playing rock-paper-scissors with Swoop prior to a game in 2023. Photo Credit: Dr. Tim Reilly.

Swoop with Clark the Cub before Stu D. Baker's introduction in 2015. Photo Credit: Tim Reilly.

and happiness to fans of all ages, not only at the ballpark but all throughout the community.

Stu’s best friend was welcomed into this world in 1996 and officially began his lengthy tenure as the new mascot of the South Bend Silver Hawks on April 8, 1997.

Since then he’s become the most recognizable and consistent face of the franchise. Through the Reading Club he’s been able to get out to local elementary schools and help children continue their commitment to reading at a young age, while his visits to little leagues, hospitals, and other local organizations have shown his care and love for the community.

managers, and big leaguers.

You won't find anyone in the organization who has been here anywhere near as long. While seemingly everything around him has changed, Swoop has continued to learn, adapt, and thrive.

When Andrew Berlin purchased the South Bend Silver Hawks in the fall of 2011, it was a signal that change was on the horizon. The next four years were some of the best of his career as he helped revitalize baseball in the area. Those four seasons would prove to be his last in solo fashion.

Like with any dynastic team, you need to have a youthful phenom bursting onto the scene to get matched with an already proven entity. That’s what happened in 2015.

Alan Rubin speaking on Swoop's behalf at the retirement press conference in February. Photo Credit: Chris Hagstrom-Jones.

The Silver Hawks were to become the South Bend Cubs and the organization became an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

A new team moniker meant a fresh mascot was needed and Stu D. Baker entered the fray.

He's been there through different affiliations, multiple owners, countless players,

“They wanted me to help mentor a young, fuzzy Cub named Stu,” said Swoop. “I didn’t know it at the time, but Stu would not just be my student… he would become one of my closest friends.”

The duo would help catapult the Cubs to

Swoop and Covey Junior (right) do the chicken dance in 2006. Credit: South Bend Cubs.

an incredible decade of success both on and off the field. Attendance continued to grow as the ballpark saw additions all around, including The Ivy at Berlin Place apartments. In 2019 Four Winds Field hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game and later that season the Cubs won the league championship. Two seasons later they were crowned Midwest League champs again.

After such an incredible run over 28 years, it was time to think about the future.

“The team has always been incredibly supportive and wanted me to continue as long as I wanted to,” stated Swoop. “I’ve always tried to do what was best for my team and give 110%. It’s been tough the last few years not being at every game. I want to be at my best when I’m in the stadium and out in the community. It takes a lot more out of me to jump on the dugouts or be on my feet for six plus hours. I only want to perform at my best and go out on top.”

On Sunday, August 25 he will have the opportunity to do just that. A matinee tilt with the Beloit Sky Carp is anticipated to

“It’s been an emotional time for Swoop,” said Rubin. “As we inch closer to his final game he knows that he’s going out exactly the way he always dreamed, but he also knows his joyous and illustrious time putting smiles on the faces of the people of Michiana is nearing its end. But we’re right there with him stride for stride, birds of a feather." ...

be one of the biggest crowds of the season at Four Winds Field. The stage will be set: the sun cascading down, a packed ballpark, his own bobblehead giveaway, and all of his friends surrounding him.

Swoop poses with friends (left to right: Stu D. Baker, Alan Rubin, Clark the Cub, Chris Hagstrom-Jones) prior to the game on June 10, 2023. Photo Credit: Ethan Levy.

WATCH EVERY MILB GAME FOR FREE

PLAN YOUR 2025 GROUP OUTING

It's never too early to plan a group outing at Four Winds Field. The South Bend Cubs 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. You can even book select venues for holiday events in the winter!

WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A WINNING TEAM

By joining the U.S. Air Force, you instantly become part of a team with over 300,000 Airmen. You also get the choice to serve full time, part time or volunteer. No matter which path you choose, you’ll play a critical role in helping us achieve mission success.