South Bend Readying For MWL All-Star Game
SOUTH BEND – Andrew Berlin, Owner of the South Bend Cubs, and Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs, are pleased to announce the schedule of events for the three days of festivities surrounding the 2019 Midwest League All-Star Game. This marks the first time in 30 years that South Bend will host the game.
As a reminder, all events are open to the public. Tickets are available for all events and can be purchased through the Box Office by visiting SouthBendCubs.com or by calling (574) 235-9988.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
6 p.m. Gates Open, 7:30 p.m. music begins for Pitbull concert
The kickoff to the Midwest League All-Star Festivities begins with a special performance by GRAMMY award winning artist Pitbull with special guests the Ying Yang Twins and Leah Jenea.
MONDAY, JUNE 17
10:30 a.m.: Street Renaming
The City of South Bend will temporarily rename Michigan Street to All-Star Drive at the intersection of Michigan Street and Washington Street to celebrate the 2019 Midwest League All-Star Game & Festivities.
5:30 p.m.: Gates Open for Fan Fest & Home Run Derby
Fan Fest at Four Winds Field will feature a home run derby with the top hitters in the Midwest League, an autograph session with several former Chicago Cubs players along with the 2019 Midwest League All-Star players. In addition, other family friendly activities include the Splash Pad, Toyota Fun Zone, catch on the field and running of the bases. The Home Run Derby begins at 7:30 p.m.
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.: Eastern Division All-Star Autographs on the field
- Fans will enter the field through the right field lawn steps and exit through section 114.
6 – 7:30 p.m.: Autograph session with former Chicago Cubs Andre Dawson, Fergie Jenkins, Mitch Williams, Leon Durham, Randy Hundley, and Steve Trout
- Former Cubs will be split into three groups with locations spread out throughout Four Winds Field.
6:15 – 6:45 p.m.: Catch on the field
- Fans can enter the field through section 118 and play catch in left field.
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.: Western Division All-Star Autographs
- Fans will enter the field through the right field lawn steps and exit through section 114.
6 – 8 p.m.: 2016 World Series Trophy Photo Opportunity
- The trophy will be on display in the 1stSource Bank Performance Center. The line begins next to the playground in right field past the splash pad. Fans will enter through the main door of the Performance Center and exit through the doors below the Performance Center patio. A Fan Fest ticket is required to get your photo taken with the trophy.
6 – 8 p.m.: Clark the Cub Appearance
- The Chicago Cubs mascot Clark the Cub along with Stu and Swoop with be roaming the concourse, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
7:30 p.m.: Midwest League Home Run Derby begins
8:45 p.m.: Kids run the bases after the Home Run Derby awards are handed out.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
11:30 a.m.: All-Star Luncheon
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg will headline an All-Star Luncheon at the Century Center in downtown South Bend, with proceeds benefitting Beacon Children’s Hospital.
5:30 p.m.: Gates Open, 7:35 p.m. First Pitch, All-Star Game
The main event, the 55th annual Midwest League All-Star Game. The 2019 Midwest League All-Star Game presented by Four Winds Casinos will feature some of the most promising players in professional baseball today. The South Bend Cubs will send five players to the All-Star game, including four pitchers. Shortstop Andy Weber will be a reserve off the bench for Manager Buddy Bailey. Pitchers Brailyn Marquez, Riley Thompson, Cam Sanders, and Jeff Passantino will all be available on the mound for the East.
The game will also feature two No. 1 overall prospects. 18-year-old shortstop Wander Franco is the top prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays and has taken baseball by storm since debuting as a 17-year-old. Franco is hitting over .320 with the Bowling Green Hot Rods this season and will start at shortstop for the East. Peoria’s Nolan Gorman will start at third base for the Western Division and is ranked as the top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals system.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early as the first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a 2019 All-Star Game hat. Parking is $7 and all lots around Four Winds Field will be open.
Tickets are still available for Fan Fest. You can purchase your seat by going to SouthBendCubs.com, calling (574) 235-9988, or visiting the Four Winds Field Box Office. Your general admission ticket will not only get you into the ballpark for Fan Fest and the Home Run Derby, but also allow you to participate in all autograph signings and other events. There are no additional charges for autographs.