Des Moines is home to the Iowa State Fair, which takes place over 11 days in August. After a 604-day layoff, Iowa Cubs baseball returned to Des Moines last week, thanks to the leadership of majority owner and chairman Michael Gartner and the Iowa Cubs front office. Order up a pork tenderloin, take in the gorgeous downtown views and root for the Cubbies of tomorrow. He said he had felt less secure owning the team since 2019, when Major League Baseball proposed a major restructuring of the lower level of the minor leagues. Cubs Insider is supported in part by affiliate advertising programs and links. He hit .261/.320/.357 with three home runs in 44 games as an 18-year-old. Purchase a table for four, reserve the entire space for a private event or gain general admission access to the area's exclusive menu and yard games during Iowa Cubs home games. We work off of a simple business concept: safe, clean and fun, Iowa Cubs President and general manager Sam Bernabe said. These qualities can be rare among professional sports owners in an era where short-term results and bottom-line considerations dominate. The Cubs hope. As you may have guessed, command and control are big deals for Wicks. One of them has even already had some success in the majors. The tension, it appears, was brought into the open after Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney told WSCR-AM 670 in an interview last week that president of baseball operations Jed. . From Des Moines, the closest Minor League team is the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Midwest League. Im a big baseball fan, and its not the same sitting at home all the time watching on TV with cardboard people in the stands, Iowa Cubs 10 Millionth Fan and Society for American Baseball Research member Steve Elsberry said. It is now visible from the 10th row of seating and above. My jaw dropped, said Alex Cohen, 33, who has been the teams radio broadcaster since 2018 and has worked in professional baseball since 2009. Carr supervises what he calls a light traffic area behind home plate. Mallee was the teams first hitting coach since Jeff Pentland (1998-2002) to last as many as three years in the role, with eight others between them serving a total of 12 seasons. He struck out 33 in 33 innings and walked just seven. Based on numbers from Spotrac, which is a great source of salary data in all the major sports, the Cubs were $178.6M against the CBT (luxury tax) last year, which was 13th in baseball. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Florida Gov. You can contact us via phone (515)-280-2654 or email us at lisah@iowacubs.com Theres just a consistency issue from game to game or even inning to inning. The Official Team Store for the Iowa Cubs. Behind Ortega (51 games), three others were used to lead off at least 24 times (Zach McKinstry, Nick Madrigal and Christopher Morel). Its been a long, strange trip for Miguel Amaya. DOB: 9/01/99. Browns fastball comes in at 95-to-97 miles per hour and he locates it well. I probably dont need to say much about Wesneski because most of you are already familiar with him from his performance in September. The I-Cubs could arguably claim this spot for their proximity to the Iowa State Capitol building (which is visible from the park and can be toured) or the State Historical Museum of Iowa, but. The Iowa State Capitol building, topped off with a gleaming spire-topped dome, is located past center field. Although he's likely to start in Iowa, Kilian could force his way into the conversation with a strong start in 2023. The two of them attended many baseball games. Cubs Insider Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved, Chicago Cubs Lineup (3/3/23): Madrigal Leads Off at 2B, Mancini in RF, Steele Starting, David Ross Has Basically Named Nico Hoerner Leadoff Hitter. He had soft hands and was good at blocking balls in the dirt. Butafter 604 days of no minor-league baseball, the ushers are just happy to be chatting with fans and pacing across the concrete of Principal Park to the crack of a bat again. 8. Marcus Stroman, 2. DOB: 12/09/97. Cubbie may hibernate during the winter, at least when he's not doing community appearances, but during the baseball season he's a constant and much sought-after presence at Principal Park. "We work off of a simple business concept: safe, clean and fun," Iowa Cubs President and general manager Sam Bernabe said. Numerous statues and memorials are located nearby, as well as the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Scott Sailor, 63, who received $46,000 for his 23 years working for the team in media relations, sales, marketing and other areas, said the checks were not out of character for Mr. Gartner, a businessman, lawyer and third-generation Iowa newspaperman. Thanks to Scott for providing information and recommendations that enlivened this Ballpark Guide throughout.). About. And you want to make sure theyre not tempted to go do something else.. Home Clubhouse Manager - Tom HellmanHome Clubhouse and Equipment Manager - Daniel MuellerAssistant Visiting Clubhouse Manager - Gary StarkHome Clubhouse Assistant - Marco Herrera, President, Business Operations - Crane KenneyExecutive Assistant to the Chairman - Lorraine SwiatlyExecutive Assistant, President Business Operations - Ellen Byun, General Manager, Mesa Spring Training Business Operations - Justin PiperSpring Training, Director of Facility and Fields - John KnightDirector of Spring Training Ticket & Business Operations - Justin LaLoneManager, Fan Experience & Partnership Activation - Lauren ShadidSpecialist, Sloan Park Security Services Matt Smith, Executive Vice President, BusinessOperations and Chief Strategy Officer - Alex SugarmanVice President, Strategy and Development - Jason SondagSenior Director, Strategy and Analytics - Chase CarpenterDirector, Strategy and Development - Catherine McManmonAssociate, Strategy and Development - CJ RaiaFinancial Analyst Quinn RickettsAnalyst, Pricing Sakib BhuiyanSpecialist, Investor Relations & Executive Assistant - Jennifer Scarangella, Executive Vice President, CFO - Jon Greifenkamp, Assistant Director, Finance - Judd IversonManager, Risk Management - Dino StirisSenior Analyst, Financial Systems and Reporting - Neal GettlingFinancial Analyst - Vipul Thakker, Vice President & Controller - Melissa ShieldsAssistant Controller - Danielle LewisSenior Manager, Payroll - Randal ScalfManager, Account Payable - Yanira CamachoManager, Finance & Accounting - Andrea JacksonManager, Finance & Accounting - Jimmy BlodgettSenior Accountant - Elizabeth EndySenior Accountant - Nicole JonesSenior Accountant - Brandon VarbleSenior Accountant - Jackson CollisSenior Accountant - Nick PetruzziSenior Accountant - Joe ProvenzanoSenior Specialist, Accounts Payable Pinky PatelSpecialist, Accounts Receivable - Monique PhillipsAccounts Payable Coordinator - Cecilia TripoliSpecialist, Investor Relations & Executive Assistant - Jennifer Scarangella, Director, Concessions & Retail - Brad Johnson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources - Sara SchultzDirector, Talent Acquisition - Brad NagelHR Business Partner - Kyndell ColgroveHR Business Partner - Angelo VicarioHR Analytics and Compensation Analyst - Kelly GrimmSpecialist, Benefits - Becky RasorCoordinator. He went 6-7 with a 3.51 ERA for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre over 19 starts in 2022 before he was traded to the Cubs on August 1. Andy Backstrom is a graduate student in the sports specialization Masters program at Northwesterns Medill School of Journalism. AA Tennessee SmokiesMiguel Amaya (#1) 2-run212! On Ice Coach for Jr. Team Owner Surprises Workers With 'Life-Changing Gesture' After Sale The owner of the Iowa Cubs gave employees $2,000 for every year they had been with the minor league baseball team, for a. DOB: 12/13/03. Dustin Halderson, 32, a stadium operations manager who is getting married in two months, said his $16,000 check gave him some stability., It was nice to feel good about the work I put in, and that they recognized it, Mr. Halderson said. His 100 mph fastball could be his ticket back to the big leagues. See more Job Description Milb.com Jobs View All Jobs Iowa Cubs ownership, front office tackle pandemic Amaya and the Cubs went with the whole rest-and-rehab routine on the arm, but as he was ramping up to resume baseball activities in November, he had a setback and underwent Tommy John surgery. He gave up five home runs with the Smokies, which is the exact same number he gave up in more than twice as many innings in High-A. If you're more partial to curios, ephemera, knick-knacks and whatnot, then wile away the hours at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall. Thats fine. That changeup makes hit 91-94 mile per hour four-seam fastball (which sometimes touches 96) look better. Manufacturer: ProCards. Ben Brown is a very impressive looking pitcher. translating for Kevin Alcntara at the Cubs Convention, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: The Top 5, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: 11 through 15, More praise for Cubs minor league prospects, Three Cubs make The Athletics Top 100 prospects list, Pete Crow-Armstrong named 28th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: 16 to 20. This shouldnt be a big deal. But Amaya hasnt played much since then. By Nicholas Moreano February 28, 2023. All the Latest Cubs News, Rumors, and Exclusive Offers! Positioned on the first-base line, Jeff Law also makes it a priority to enrich the fan experience, particularly that of the children. He talks about putting on weight. I wouldnt say that a 2023 major-league debut is likely, but its certainly possible if things go well for Wicks. Ages ranging from youth to adult, all skill . MEDILL SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM, MEDIA,INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS1845 Sheridan RoadEvanston, IL 60208-2101, Many minor league baseball organizations, such as the, (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), the, (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the. Trade with Yankees, 2022. Is it concerning that Amaya hasnt caught a game since May 2021 and that hes only caught 12 games since 2019? Sometimes hes painting corners and looks unhittable. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located on the western edge of downtown, showcases 28 sculptures by a wide variety of prominent artists. Jordan Wicks. Another early look at the Cubs 2023 Opening Day roster. Amayas major league debut could be a minor injury away. Mr. Gartner declined to disclose the sale price. . We could be talking about Cristian Hernandez in this space for a long time. And for that we thank you! Passionate regulars like Elsberry are the reason for the Iowa Cubs dedication to the fan experience. Although Amaya still couldnt throw in 2022 as he recovered from surgery, he was playing for the Cubs Arizona Complex League team by July 1, serving as the designated hitter. While he pitched well in the Gulf Coast League in 2017 and 2018, Browns 2019 season got cut short when he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament and he underwent Tommy John surgery. After seeing the Iowa State Capitol building from a distance during an I-Cubs game, why not schedule a tour to see it up close? Employees who work in maintenance, accounting, marketing and other areas received checks for $4,000 to $70,000, said Mr. Gartner, who was the teams majority owner for 22 years, until the sale closed last Tuesday. Other times hes just missing off the plate with the fastball or he cant locate his breaking pitches where he wants them. The 78-to-80 mph curveball is a work in progress and is clearly his worst pitch. The sale signaled the end of Mr. Gartners local ownership. RHP. Hell be young for the league and his numbers will be depressed by Pelican Park. Brown reported to Tennessee instead. Jimmy Lynn is a graduate student in the sports specialization Masters program at Northwesterns Medill School of Journalism. Tickets for Minor League games: buy Iowa Cubs Minor League single game tickets at Ticketmaster.com. RHP. Between the holidays, a gas leak scare, and a ruined sump pump drain flooding my basement, Im going to be playing catch-up for a while here as the new year starts out. Brown seems to be part of a trend of the current front office to target players whose value may be down because of injuries. Its striking how lean and muscular Amaya is now. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. All rights reserved. The team competes in the Triple-A East league and plays their home games at Principal Park in Des Moines. Hernandez has one of the Catch Up videos from the Cubs, which is probably the best introduction to him. Not in three years, but now. Hes a kid that is going to need a lot more work than that. Justin Steele, 4. This year, everybody wants to talk, and they say, Thanks for getting the park open. And it shouldnt be them thanking me it should be me thanking them for remembering where the hell the ballpark is.. Vice president and assistant general manager Randy Wehofer explained that they missed out on more than just the paycheck last summer. Like Carr and Prange, hes happy to be reunited with fans as well as with his fellow ushers. Michael takes a long-term look at everything, Iowa vice president and assistant general manager Randy Wehofer said. Thats how the whole thing kind of works.. They bring her stuff, and she brings them stuff, and they have potlucks, and they meet in the parking lot, or theyll meet somewhere in the offseason. That got him promoted to Double-A, where he was challenged by hitters who werent quite as willing to chase that changeup. Here is Wicks striking out 10 Peoria Chiefs last July with South Bend. Finally healthy in 2022, Brown started the season at High-A Jersey Shore and dominated. It seems his new body has untapped at least some of that potential. 63, 210. Subscribe Today for Great Content, Community, and Giveaways! He sets the tone for that.. The only thing that stands between him and being a number 3 pitcher in the majors is health and consistency. Cubs fans won't like it, but you can't fault the front office for being a little cautious with a guy who could be a No. When the Pacific Coast League announced the cancellation of the 2020 season last June, Gartners loyalty to his full-time staff was never in doubt. Iowa Cubs Schedule Iowa Cubs Roster 1 Line Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 515-243-6111 Capacity: 11,500 Dimensions: left field, 335 feet; center field, 400 feet; right field, 335 feet More Ballpark Guides >> Photo: Paul Gierhart Principal Park opened in 1992, built on the same site where its predecessor, Sec Taylor Stadium, had stood. SS. "Being here is a passion and an affinity for them, Wehofer said. we could go on and on + Monthly departmental celebrations, jeans days and clinic-wide competitions + Employee rewards and recognition program + Health and wellness program with up to $350/year in incentives + Employee feedback surveys + All employee meetings, team huddles and transparent communication All Rights Reserved. If you're looking to stay at the Triple-A Level, head west toward the Omaha Storm Chasers or north to the Saint Paul Saints (and their nearby parent club, the Minnesota Twins). Mr. Cohen described the checks as a life-changing gesture for some longtime staff members. But a local in the know says that the quality of its ice cream always makes it worth the visit. Aside from baseball, Alex was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, PA and is a 2011 graduate of Indiana University. There could be even more to come. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. In . The Iowa Oaks changed their name to the Cubs prior to the 1982 season, and as soon as they did so Cubbie Bear arrived on the scene. The Iowa Cubs name was adopted in 1982 and, more than 40 years later, it remains. We shared our previous thoughts on Bauer in a story we had in December. The external concourse, running behind the ballpark, is home to myriad concession stands, restrooms and the team store. #GoCubsGoJohn Rodgers - Account ExecutiveJohn joins the Iowa Cubs sales team after spending the past two years as the Director of Revenue Development for the University of Evansville (Ind.) DOB: 9/09/99. 10. Iowa Cubs return to Principal Park, announced the cancellation of the 2020 season, 'Its definitely been a challenge': How the Chicago Cubs pieced together MiLB rosters in 2021, Bars, restaurants near Principal Park relieved to have Iowa Cubs baseball again, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. While Wicks got a brief, seven-inning tryout with South Bend in 2021, he really made his minor league debut last season. That was a career-high in both batting average and slugging percentage for Amaya. In here, you can see hes still thin and lanky, but theres room on his frame to grow. After just one four-inning outing with their top affiliate in. This little nugget is over a week old by now, but its been a little hectic around these parts and the news sort of fell between the cracks at the time. In a list of the 30 most valuable minor league baseball teams in 2016, Forbes placed the Iowa Cubs at No. Gartners commitment to his workers last year may have hurt the franchises finances at the time, but the decision paid off when the 2021 season rolled around. Perhaps perspective comes easier for a man who underwent his first of two open-heart procedures at 33 because of an aortic root aneurysm, which ended his NBA career after 10 seasons. I cant imagine what the last two weeks would have been like if we had been like every other minor-league team or ownership that furloughed or laid off half, if not most, of the staff, Wehofer said. Shes small in stature yet commands a great presence in a section thats fittingly titled J. Prange took on the position after the death of her husband, who was an umpire at the high school and college levels. Walking into the ballpark, I was real excited to see everybody again.. Amaya did not just sit around and rehab while he was down with an arm injury. Craig Mish details the latest sports news. Things are different this spring. Iowa's affiliation with the Chicago Cubs is the fourth-longest in all of Minor League baseball. Back. The Dodgers might've already fixed his swing in MLB spring training. My jaw dropped, one worker said. The diligence and loyalty of the Iowa organization allowed for local fans to experience something they had been missing for 20 months: watching a ballgame at Principal Park. And at 83, he said, I just decided it was time.. Starting pitching staff 1. The Iowa Cubs serve as the Triple-A affiliate of the MLB's Chicago Cubs. Hernandez was a raw, athletic kid last year who was adjusting both to higher quality pitching, but to a new country as well. Apr 2012 - Aug 20175 years 5 months. He continued to show an impressive control of the strike zone with 44 strikeouts and just 13 walks. More: Meet Iowa Cubs pitcher Robert Stock. To adhere to Major League Baseballs COVID-19 protocols, Bernabe and his co-workers zip-tied seats to limit capacity, spread out lockers in locker rooms and implemented more outdoor dining areas, buffer zones and quarantine rooms in Principal Park. Wicks entire arsenal revolves around his low-80s changeup that dives down and in to right-handed hitters. Maybe better? Detroit never gave him a big league look, but Leiter's strong showing caught the attention of the Cubs' front office last winter. He may just be fine again next year. The Oaks/Cubs played in the American Association from 1969-97, switching to the Pacific Coast League in 1998 following the AA's dissolution. Carr became an usher following a 40-year career in education, which culminated in a tenure as a school superintendent in Lu Verne. 2 starter for years to come. Looking. Three years ago, Amaya was seen as a glove-first catcher with some unrealized promise as a hitter. Left field is home to the Betfred Sports Lounge, a climate-controlled bar and restaurant. They missed it, and theyre just happy to be back, Gartner said. The Cubs hurlers continued their spring dominance. So it goes with food and drink options, so it goes with hotels: Principal Park's downtown location results in a plethora of nearby options. Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo all homegrown stars and core members of the 2016 World Series team will be free agents after the 2021 season. We lost $4 million, but they needed the money more than I did, Gartner said. The seating bowl, bisected by a concourse walkway, runs from foul pole to foul pole. Hernandez still has a smooth and very quick through he zone hitting stroke thats geared to hit for power once he fills out and adds a little more strength. Its a slightly above-average pitch with decent movement, but when Wicks is at his best he can throw it to the upper corners of the zone for a strike. One of the most popular spots in the ballpark, particularly for young fans and even more particularly on hot summer days, is the splash fountain in the right-field corner. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Its no wonder that Principal Park was built in the same location as its predecessor, as it's a beautiful spot for ballpark that boasts some of the best in-game views in Minor League Baseball. Iowa Cubs baseball at Principal Park remains Central Iowa's top sports, cultural, and entertainment attraction. A piece of their life has come back.. Its notable that Mallee came aboard when the team had a good deal of prospects coming up to Chicago, so the Cubs may believe he, like Brown, is best suited to work with young hitters. We kept everybody on full pay and benefits the whole time. Jimmy Lynn is a sports reporter at Medill. The most gratifying part of my job is watching the smiling faces of families as they come into the ballpark, Bernabe said. Amaya always got raves for his pitch recognition skills and his ability to get on base by a hit or a walk, but there was always a question whether or not he could tap into his plus raw power in-game. Wherever Brown starts the season, he should see significant time with Triple-A Iowa this year. He sets the tone for that.. Browns other plus pitch is a nasty hammer curve that comes in at the mid-80s. All Rights Reserved. Carr said he was stuck at home, even after he was cancer-free, and missed out on his granddaughters bat mitzvah in Florida. The Iowa Cubs are excited to announce the following additions to the front office staff: Alex Cohen - Broadcaster / Account ExecutiveAlex joins the Iowa Cubs radio booth and sales staff this season after spending the last two years as the Play-By-Play Broadcaster/Media Relations Manager for the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Cubs front office/coaching tidbit: Greg Brown will return as special assistant to the president and GM/hitting (he'll work closely with minor-leaguers) and John Mallee will be a hitting coach at Triple-A Iowa. If he falls short of that, theres always the possibility he becomes a late-inning reliever, but that would be a disappointment at this point. The low-80s slider with a sharp break is his best pitch and its the one he throws the most. If you want any evidence that the Cubs' front office has been having some success targeting pitching, there are three potential starters among these five prospects. They brought back nearly all of their ushers, too. Director, High Performance - Adam BeardMajor League Head Athletic Trainer - PJ MainvilleMajor League Assistant Athletic Trainer - Chuck BaughmanMajor League Assistant Athletic Trainer - Nick FrangellaMajor League Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach - Keegan KnollMajor League Massage Therapist - Nate WhitneyTeam Physician - Stephen Adams, M.D.Team Orthopaedist - Stephen Gryzlo, M.D. That said, the front office and coaching staff will tell you that's a great problem to have if he forces their hand. Brown was Cubs MLB hitting coach last season and Mallee from 2015-2017, Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) December 22, 2022. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cubsinsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cubsinsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); As Sahadev Sharma reported, Brown will work primarily with minor leaguers as a special assistant to the president and GM following his replacement as the big league hitting coach. . The teams sale to a global sports and entertainment company had closed that day, and Mr. Gartner, 83, said he wanted to give the employees their new business cards. These qualities can be rare among professional sports owners in an era where short-term results and bottom-line considerations dominate. Heres how various projection systems see the 2023 Chicago Cubs, Those systems dont hate the team, but a lot needs to go right for them to be above .500.