Former South Bend Cub Nico Hoerner reflects on path to Chicago during Crosstown Classic.
Posted: May 16, 2026 6:27 PM EDT
CHICAGO -- Before Nico Hoerner became one of the best defensive infielders in Major League Baseball, his path with the Chicago Cubs organization started in South Bend.
Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner, was drafted by the Cubs in 2018 after playing at Stanford. His time with the South Bend Cubs was brief, but meaningful. Less than a year later, he was called up to Chicago in 2019.
On Saturday at Rate Field, ahead of the second game of the Cubs’ three-game series against the White Sox, Hoerner said South Bend played an important role in his development.
“It was an early introduction to the fans and a nice reminder that this organization is so much more than just Chicago,” Hoerner said. “The fan base has spread throughout the Midwest and throughout the country in a way that’s part of why we have such great support on the road and everywhere we go.”
The Cubs entered Saturday’s matchup coming off a 10-5 win over the White Sox on Friday night. Hoerner went 1-for-6 with one run scored, no RBIs and no strikeouts, but his hit helped Chicago build momentum.
In the fifth inning, Hoerner singled to center, then scored from first on Michael Busch’s double to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead.
He also made one of the defensive highlights of the night, fully extending to take away a hit from the White Sox. The play earned national attention, landing at No. 2 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.
Last season, Hoerner drove in 61 runs and stole 29 bases, giving the Cubs a mix of contact, speed and consistency. Hoerner said he wouldn't change the path that brought him here.
“I think the Cubs are a top, top organization to play for, and it’s been incredibly fun to get to know Chicago and call it home now,” Hoerner said. “I would not want to change a thing.”
As the Cubs continue the Crosstown Classic, Hoerner says the mindset is simple: embrace the environment, have fun with the moment and keep winning at the center of it.