Chicago Cubs fans in Northern Indiana rejoiced when the South Bend Cubs debuted at Four Winds Field in April of 2015. Along with an updated look to the South Bend franchise (a familiar red, white and blue color scheme), a new mascot joined the team. Stu D. Baker, the fuzziest and most cuddly mascot in Minor League Baseball made his debut. In keeping with regional history, Stu gets his name from the former Studebaker automotive manufacturer that was based in South Bend for over 100 years.
The South Bend Cubs and Four Winds Field continue to grow, attracting over 350,000 fans in 2016. Affordable, family entertainment with the cleanest restrooms in baseball are the driving force behind the team’s resurgence, after Owner Andrew T. Berlin purchased the franchise in 2011. In an effort to help revitalize the downtown area, “The Ivy at Berlin Place” broke ground in 2017. The $22 million mixed-use development will add 120 high-end apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space at the entrance of Four Winds Field, creating South Bend’s own Wrigleyville.