South Bend Cubs Continue to Make History in 2016

As the Chicago Cubs continue a historic season, just 101 miles away the South Bend Cubs just finished a historical season of their own.

From 84 wins (tied for the second most in franchise history), a first half division title, the league MVP, Manager of the Year, and for the third straight season a record number of fans came out to Four Winds Field to cheer on the Cubs. Oh yeah and call ups galore. In fact, the South Bend Cubs have done such a great job that the Chicago Cubs in a rare move have signed a player development contract just 2 ½ years into the original deal. The deal will keep the South Bend as the low A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs until 2020. 

For the third year in a row, South Bend had set a new, single-season franchise attendance record attendance. This season 350,803 fans came out to Four Winds Field, breaking last year's record by 3,125. On the final day of the regular season, South Bend Cubs Owner Andrew T. Berlin personally addressed the fans from the field. "Everyone here deserves a round of applause because you helped break the attendance record and set a new record in 2016."

The start of season saw a game postponed because of snow, but that didn't stop the South Bend Cubs from getting off to a hot start as they went 13-9 in April. As the weather heated up, so did the Cubs who compiled a Midwest League best record of 41-28 and clinched a first half division championship. The Cubs' second year manager Manager Jimmy Gonzalez was named Midwest League manager of the year. On the field the Cubs were led by league MVP Eloy Jimenez. The 2013 top international signee hit for a .329 average with 14 home runs 81 RBI and a .369 on base percentage and earned an invitation to the MLB Futures Game in San Diego, CA. Jimenez joined Andrew Ely, Jesse Hodges, Donnie Dewees, Adbert Alzolay, and Carson Sands as South Bend All-Star representatives at the Midwest League All-Star Game in Cedar Rapids, IA. Jimenez carried his impressive play to Iowa earning the Top Star award given to the All-Star Game MVP.

Despite a great representation at the Midwest League All-Star Game, the Cubs roster had more talent than was recognized. Opening Day starting pitcher Preston Morrison compiled a 9-4 record with a 2.24 ERA on his way to earning Chicago Cubs June Minor League Pitcher of the Month recognition and a promotion to High-A Myrtle Beach. Morrison continued his run of success with a 3-0 record and a 1.77 ERA for High-A Myrtle Beach. By seasons end Morrison was also named to the Midwest League full season All-Star Team.

Morrison was one of a multitude of South Bend Cubs who received a promotion to Myrtle Beach during the 2016 campaign. By seasons end, 13 South Bend Cubs players had made an appearance on the Pelicans roster on their way to defending the Carolina League Championship. The Pelicans final Championship starting lineup featured 7 former South Bend Cubs and 23 total former Cubs on their roster.

Another key call-up for Myrtle Beach was South Bend outfielder Donnie Dewees. Dewees led the Midwest league in triples at the time of his promotion and was one of six Cubs selected to the All-Star team. Replacing Dewees in South Bend outfield was 2016 Chicago Cubs draft pick Conner Myers. Myers picked up where Dewees left off, anchoring centerfield for the Cubs with a series of highlight reel defensive plays along the way. Myers held his own at the plate hitting .221 in 134 at bats. During the Cubs final playoff game Myers had a triple, double and two RBI against West Michigan.

It was the tale of two seasons for Cubs Infielder Matt Rose in 2016. After playing in 14 games for South Bend at the end of 2015, Rose earned a spot on the Cubs 2016 Opening Day roster. Rose struggled to start the season, batting under .200, and was demoted to Cubs Rookie League affiliate Eugene in June. After adjusting his swing and gaining his confidence, Rose was sent back to South Bend in late July. Rose really took off in August, hitting 7 home runs and earning August Midwest League Player of the Month honors. Rose ended the season hitting .235 with 13 Home Runs, 43 RBI and a .317 on base percentage. In a must win game two vs. West Michigan Rose hit a three run home run in the bottom of the seventh that sealed the win for South Bend 6-2.

Infielder Carlos Sepulveda was a free agent signing out of Mexico before reporting for his first season in South Bend. Sepulveda hit .310 with a .366 on base percentage and provided strong defense at Second base all season long. Following the promotion of Donnie Dewees, Sepulveda was tasked with hitting lead off for Jimmy Gonzales where he performed admirably down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The 2016 season also saw the transformation of P.J. Higgins into a catcher and a leader for the South Bend Cubs. Drafted in 2015 from Old Dominion as an infielder, the Cubs believed Higgins had the tools to become a catcher and moved him behind the plate. Higgins caught a total of 77 games for the Cubs, throwing out 33 runners and compiling a .988 fielding percentage. The transition to catcher did not seem to bother Higgins offensively as he hit for a .283 batting average with a .389 on-base percentage and driving in 40 RBI.

While the season didn't end in story book fashion, the South Bend Cubs had an incredibly successful season including new attendance records, multiple All-Star nominations, league MVP and Manager of the Year to name a few of the many accolades. The future looks bright in the Cubs organization. Before long, a familiar face who wore South Bend blue pinstripes may be wearing the same at the corner of Clark and Addison.