South Bend Cubs nominated for national award

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The South Bend Cubs were informed today that the team has been nominated by the Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs for the 2015 national John H. Johnson Award. Notice of the distinction came directly from the office of Richard Nussbaum, President of the Midwest League.

The John H. Johnson Award is 1 of only 4 national awards made annually to deserving teams or individuals chosen from among all 240 professional teams in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Minor League Baseball operates under the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and within the scope of organized baseball.

The John H. Johnson Award is presented to a club that demonstrates an outstanding, on-going commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within the local community and within the baseball industry.

"This is a great honor," said Andrew Berlin," team owner. "When all of baseball recognizes that what we're doing in South Bend is 'on-going' and worth recognizing on a national stage, it's just another confirmation that we're doing the right kinds of things for fans, and especially for the Cubs. It's wonderful news. And we're thankful - thankful to the league and to the fans who've made this all possible" 

Nominees from every league in the MiLB system will be reviewed by the MiLB Awards Committee and recommendations will be submitted to the President and Executive Vice President of MiLB for a final decision. The winner will be announced at Baseball's Winter Meetings this December.

"It's humbling," added Joe Hart, Team President. "To be nominated for such an important national award is exciting. But honestly, we owe so much to our fans. And this is just the beginning. We're determined to help the Chicago Cubs make it to the World Series. And we're going to continue to make Four Winds Field the best place to have fun on a spring or summer evening anywhere within a hundred miles."

The South Bend Cubs are a Class A minor league team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Over the past 28 seasons, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2005, and has captured 12 division titles. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose sole shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.