To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the South Bend Cubs (Low A; Midwest League) will host Mister Rogers Day on August 12.
The Cubs are partnering with local PBS affiliate WNIT and Fred Rogers Productions to celebrate this milestone. Clips from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood will be shown on the video board throughout the game. Daniel Tiger, star of the award-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the son of the beloved original puppet, will also be in attendance. Fans can sign a giant banner with their own message of thanks to Mister Rogers. Special messages of thanks from fans, players, and community members will also be shown throughout the game.
The South Bend Cubs are one of the few minor league ballclubs in the nation to host an event honoring Fred Rogers for the anniversary.
“Mister Rogers inspired generations of children with the message that it’s ok to be ourselves,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “He taught us important life lessons and did so in such a caring manner. During the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, we feel it’s important to recognize and honor his legacy, and to share it with our younger fans who may not have had the chance grow up with our television neighbor.”
The South Bend Cubs will wear special jerseys that day, depicting Fred Rogers’ iconic red sweater. In recognition of Rogers’ support for funding public television, the jerseys will be auctioned off after the game, with the proceeds benefitting WNIT.
Greg Giczi, President and General Manager of WNIT, said, “Mister Rogers is beloved like the South Bend Cubs. Whether you are a Mister Rogers ‘alumni’ and he was part of the formation of your value system, or a current ‘student’ learning from Daniel Tiger, you know you are loved, ‘just the way you are’.”
Gates will open at noon and first pitch against the Lake County Captains is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.