Chicago Cubs prospects will use Four Winds Field for summer training camp

By: Allison Hayes Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Jun 29, 2020 5:00 PM EDT

NOW: Chicago Cubs prospects will use Four Winds Field for summer training camp

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— Though Major League Baseball is set to return July 24, minor league teams are still on the bench.

Despite the cancellations of games and events, the South Bend Cubs have found a way to make good use of their empty ballpark this summer.

Starting July 1, major league baseball players will report to summer camp.

Eleven Chicago Cubs prospects from various levels from within the Chicago cubs farm system that make up a “taxi squad” will work out at Four Winds Field.

The players must stay within 100 miles of Chicago in case they get called up to play, making South Bend a perfect fit.

“It’s not what we thought 2020 would be like but we’ll take it,” said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. “When they get ready to cut the roster for the big league roster, those guys that are up there right now will actually come to South Bend to continue to work out. I do think that even though there are some players that weren’t on that 11-man roster, there is going to be some of their other prospects they just want to get some work in.”

It’s also a possibility that major league players who suffer injuries will rehab and work out in South Bend.

While no fans or media will be allowed inside of Four Winds Field while players are working out, the goal is to get fans back in the seats to watch the professionals in action as soon as possible.

“The hope is maybe in August or September we can do some inter-squad games and be able to open up the ballpark and sell some tickets. But I think everybody has found over the last three months that we’re taking it literally day by day. There is that hope down the road but at least initially for the first couple of weeks, there won’t be any fan availability in the ballpark,” Hart said.

The players that will work out in South Bend include, according to the Chicago Cubs' roster:

Pitchers