Swoop's Last Soar: South Bend Cubs Bid Farewell to Beloved Mascot

Photo byWSBT

South Bend, Ind. – After nearly three decades of delighting fans, the iconic South Bend mascot, Swoop, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for local baseball enthusiasts. On Sunday, during the South Bend Cubs' game against the Beloit Sky Carp, the team will celebrate Swoop’s 28 years of service as the face of South Bend baseball.

Swoop, the beloved silver hawk, first took flight in 1996, representing the South Bend Silver Hawks with pride and energy. Over the years, he evolved alongside the team, eventually mentoring Stu the Cub when the organization became a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 2015. His presence on the field has been a constant, bringing joy to fans of all ages and earning him a spot in the Mascot Hall of Fame.

As Swoop prepares to “fly the coop” at Four Winds Field, he does so with a heart full of memories and a legacy that will endure long after his final bow. Reflecting on his retirement, Swoop humorously noted that at his age, he didn’t want to be a “bird-en” but emphasized that he has no regrets. The celebration of his storied career will coincide with the game’s first pitch, scheduled for 2:05 p.m.