South Bend Cubs unveiled at press conference Thursday

Almost two weeks after a player development contract was announced between the Chicago Cubs and the South Bend Silverhawks, the Indiana-based organization unveiled a new name and a logo at a press event on Thursday morning.

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“We are now The South Bend Cubs,” team owner Andrew Berlin told a media-packed room at the Chamber of Commerce. “Affection for and loyalty to the Chicago Cubs goes back generations in this community. We’ve listened to fans throughout the region, and this is a name that we know they are thrilled about.”

The logo that was unveiled, which is still awaiting league and Chicago Cubs approval, will be integrated into the teams’ new uniforms, apparel and other items throughout Four Winds Field. Berlin spoke to the room about the logo, which largely mirrors the big league club’s.

“We’re moving fast,” said Berlin. “Officials gave South Bend a special waiver so that we could show you this today, but something as important as a logo needs to be approved by the league and by the Chicago Cubs. So, I can’t call it official yet, but it is what you’re likely to see on all our uniforms, apparel, advertising and merchandise from now on.”

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said the organization was excited to begin a new chapter in South Bend. The front office leader for Chicago was joined by Jason McLeod, the Cubs’ director of scouting, Thursday morning.

“We’re thrilled to begin this partnership with Sound Bend and we’re looking forward to working with everyone here,” he said. “It is important to have first-class facilities not only at the big league level, but also throughout our farm system. South Bend provides exactly what we were looking for both as a community and as a farm club.”

The Cubs’ recent two-year agreement with the Kane County Cougars, located in Geneva, Ill., drew to a close, culminating in a Midwest League Championship that included an undefeated postseason run.

Chicago also recently moved its Class-A Advanced affiliate from Daytona to Myrtle Beach and its short-season club from Boise to Emerald in a busy first few weeks of the Minor League Baseball offseason.