South Bend, IN - October 6, 2025 - The Rotary Club of South Bend is proud to announce that Andrew T. Berlin, Chairman and Owner of the South Bend Cubs, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Frank C. Rogers Distinguished Citizen Award.

This award is reserved for non Rotarians who demonstrate meritorious and exemplary leadership in the realms of community, government, business, industry, profession, military, or volunteer activity. Recipients embody Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self.

Since acquiring the South Bend minor league baseball franchise on November 11, 2011, Berlin pledged to restore the team’s legacy and catalyze renewed investment in South Bend. He stated, “I made a promise to the local community and the government officials who welcomed me. I promised that I would return the team to its former glory days. I’d do everything I could to bring people back to South Bend and prove that this is a wonderful place to invest in.”

Over his 14-year tenure, Berlin has fulfilled that promise. The transformation of Four Winds Field has become a centerpiece of South Bend’s downtown revitalization. A landmark expansion known as The Ivy at Berlin Place opened in 2018, a 23 million dollar development featuring 120 luxury apartments and commercial space. Now, a new multi year, 48 million dollar renovation and expansion is underway, marking the largest stadium investment in its history.

Stadium Expansion and Renovation Highlights:

A groundbreaking for the 48-million-dollar stadium improvement project was held in September 2024 in collaboration with the City of South Bend and state leaders.
The project includes construction of a new second deck, new seating, and replacement of the playing surface.
A new and enlarged splash pad, about two and a half times the size of the former, and updated children’s zone will be built this season.
A four story event, club, and administrative building will be constructed beyond left field, connected to the concourse via a walkway bridge, enabling flexible community and corporate event use.
The upper deck is expected to be ready for use by the 2026 season, and overall completion by spring 2026.
These enhancements will raise stadium capacity to just over 10,000 and modernize concessions, restrooms, and event spaces.

These upgrades reflect Berlin’s ongoing vision to make Four Winds Field not only a top tier baseball venue, but also a dynamic hub for community life and economic growth in downtown South Bend.

Under Berlin’s leadership, the South Bend Cubs organization employs more than 350 full time staff, and cumulative attendance has topped 3.2 million visitors. The stadium has been honored as Best High A Baseball Stadium by Ballpark Digest in 2017, 2022, and 2023.

Berlin’s philanthropic convictions are equally strong. The South Bend Cubs Charitable Foundation partners with local organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Holy Cross College, LOGAN Center, United Way, Dismas House, and Big Brothers Big Sisters to mentor youth and instill character, leadership, and opportunity through baseball and community engagement.

“Andrew Berlin’s vision and dedication have elevated not only our stadium, but our entire city’s identity and pride,” said the President of the Rotary Club of South Bend. “His leadership, civic investment, and generosity make him an ideal honoree for the Frank C. Rogers Distinguished Citizen Award.”

Attend the Award Presentation
The Frank C. Rogers Distinguished Citizen Award will be presented to Andrew T. Berlin at South Bend Rotary’s regular club meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Century Center. The public and media are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this distinguished individual.

About South Bend Rotary
Founded in 1914, the Rotary Club of South Bend belongs to Rotary International, an organization of global community leaders committed to humanitarian service, ethical business, and peace building.

Media Inquiries
Amber Behrens, Public Image Chair, South Bend Rotary
Email abehrens@everwisecu.com
Website www.sbrotary.org