South Bend Cubs win minor league baseball's top honor

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The Chicago Cubs may have had a 2015 for the ages, but it's one of their minor-league teams is taking home some serious hardware.

The South Bend Cubs - the Class-A affiliate in Indiana - was named the 42nd annual John H. Johnson President's Award, minor league baseball's top honor handed out to the most complete baseball franchise.

The criteria for the accolade takes into account financial stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community and promotion of the baseball industry, according to MiLB.com.

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The SB Cubs will be honored at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Dec. 6 in Nashville, Tenn.

"On behalf of the entire South Bend Cubs organization, we are incredibly honored to accept the 2015 John H. Johnson President's Award," said South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. "To be selected for this prestigious award over some of the best franchises across the nation is extremely humbling.

"The 2015 season broke a number of longstanding records in South Bend and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our front office and gameday staffs. We pride ourselves on having the most passionate and customer service-focused people working for us. It is wonderful to see their hard work recognized."

The South Bend Cubs signed a player development contract with the Cubs before the 2015 season and agreed to change their name and logo to reflect the parent club. They set new franchise records in overall attendance, totaling 347,678 fans with an average of 5,039 a game.

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"Through dedication to their community and commitment to making Four Winds Field a better place for fans, the South Bend Cubs broke attendance records and became a business leader in their area," said Pat O'Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO. "This award recognizes them for their pursuit in setting a higher standard for all of Minor League Baseball. On behalf of Minor League Baseball, I congratulate the South Bend Cubs on an outstanding season and wish them continued success in the future."

This is the first time South Bend has won the Johnson President's Award.

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