SOUTH BEND – Newly promoted Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde will headline the South Bend Cubs Foundation’s First Pitch Banquet on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The banquet will be held at the 1^st Source Bank Performance Center at Four Winds Field. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Joining Hyde will be Notre Dame softball coach Deanna Gumpf, former professional softball player and current softball coordinator for the 1^st Source Bank Performance Center Ashley Burkhardt, and director of training and instruction for the 1^st Source Bank Performance Center Mark Haley. South Bend Cubs radio broadcaster Darin Pritchett will moderate the discussion with on-field host and radio personality Mark McGill taking questions from the audience.

“We’re excited to kick off the 2018 baseball and softball seasons with two amazing coaches,” said Haley. “This banquet will not only provide a unique insight for young baseball and softball players, but it is our kick-off event and fundraiser for the South Bend Cubs Foundation.”

The South Bend Cubs Foundation was established to mentor young athletes on and off the diamond. Foundation programs include the Cubs 1^st Academy, Coaches Club, Prep League, and an avenue to provide exposure for advanced student athletes to college and professional evaluators.

“Our goal with the South Bend Cubs Foundation is to help our area student athletes and coaches improve the communities they serve,” said Haley. “Playing baseball at this level isn’t just about the athletic contest. It’s about character building, developing young people into role models and leaders of our community.”

Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. A ballpark style dinner is included in the ticket price and seating is limited to 250 guests.

First Pitch Banquet tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. at the 1^st Source Bank Performance Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the South Bend Cubs main office during regular business hours beginning Jan. 2.