One more game before Swoop the South Bend Cub's mascot retires down south

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The favorite feathery friend at Four Winds Field is taking to retirement but before he does, he is saying so long to the friends he has made at four winds field.

Swoop the Silver Hawk has been a part of baseball in South Bend for nearly three decades. The mascot that hatched in the spring of 1997, is singing his swan song more than 25 years later.

Fans yelled as they passed, "We love you Swoop." Many insisting they'll miss their favorite bird at the ballpark. 

"I am sad, and I feel like I am going to scream, because I am so sad," said fan Lorelai Farster.

Another fan Miles Panicucci said "So devastated. I mean he is such a great mascot. He is just awesome jumping around and energetic."

Swoop always managed to take time to give autographs to kids and entertain his community.

"It was just I like, loved it a lot. I was just so happy. I was speechless," said Dane Wiskotoni.

The Minor league organization has constantly changed, but Swoop has always been a major part of the ballpark experience. He started off his career with the South Bend Silver Hawks, then a brief affiliation with the Diamondbacks and now, by Stu's side, with the Cubs.

"When Cubs took over, I am like oh man I hope they keep swoop and then they brought him back and I am like sweet he is still here." said Jacob Reed a longtime fan.

But Swoop is more than just a mascot. The feathery friend spread his wings often through the years to help make a difference beyond the diamond in South Bend.

“Swoop is here in the community going to volunteer with various food pantries or food banks. Going to schools to help students learn to read,” Chris Hagstrom-Jones, the Assistant General Manager of the SB Cubs said. “That’s why Swoop is so important. Swoop is the heart and soul of our organization,” added Hagstrom-Jones.

The first 1,000 fans to enter the game will receive a Swoop bobble head, with Swoop being available all-day for photos and autographs.