As Cubs Face Elimination, South Bend Reflects on Its Connection to Wrigley

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It’s win or go home for the Chicago Cubs.

While all eyes are on Wrigley Field, just 90 minutes east, there’s no shortage of pride and connection at Four Winds Field.

Making the high-stakes game feel personal in South Bend.

Eighteen former South Bend Cubs players are now on Chicago’s 40-man roster, including stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw, whose road to Wrigley started in South Bend, where construction is underway to give it even more of a big-league feel.

For the past 17 years, assistant general manager Chris Hagstrom-Jones has enjoyed staying in touch with players who make it to the show. He says that’s what it’s all about.

“When we get a chance to go to Wrigley every so often, we’ll see these guys on the field, talk to them during BP,” said Hagstrom-Jones. “So it’s almost like watching your little brother kind of grow up and make it. We’re not a part of the family we’re a part of that extended family and we’re so happy to see them live out their dreams,” he added.

He said being just 90 minutes away gives South Bend a unique connection to the parent team, and the big changes underway as part of a $48 million expansion are not just cosmetic.

It’s all about cultivating the next generation of Cubs talent in a setting that mirrors the big leagues.

“Really, we want them to feel that, to have that energy, to make it feel like this is a big league stadium for them. So they’re prepared for what it looks like. Although, there really is no preparing for Wrigley Field when you first walk out those steps,” said Hagstrom-Jones.

Construction is still on track to be complete for Opening Day on April 3, but Wednesday all the attention was on the big-league Cubs, as they battle to keep their season alive.