New South Bend Cubs manager Daniel Wasinger ready for opening day amid stadium renovations

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- With opening day just around the corner, the South Bend Cubs are preparing to welcome fans into a newly renovated Four Winds Field.

Construction was still ongoing during a media preview ahead of Friday’s opener, but team management said there is no concern about the ballpark being ready in time. Officials said the renovations are expected to be completed by opening day, possibly as late as the day of the game.

From the team’s standpoint, first-year manager Daniel Wasinger said the work has not disrupted preparations.

Wasinger described the facilities as “state-of-the-art” and said the renovations have had no effect on the club’s readiness for the season.

“I was really excited when I got that phone call saying they wanted me to manage,” Wasinger said. “I didn’t know it was going to be the South Bend Cubs and then when they told me it was South Bend, I was really ecstatic to come out here and I feel like I’m prepared.”

Wasinger, 30, enters his first season as South Bend’s manager after serving as the team’s bench coach in 2025. The promotion marks the next step in a baseball journey that has included time as both a player and coach.

Before arriving in South Bend, Wasinger began his coaching career with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2024. As a player, he was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of high school. He later spent time in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and also played in independent and Mexican League baseball.

Now in his new role, Wasinger said fans can expect a team that plays hard, plays smart and plays together.  He added that April 3rd already has him feeling butterflies, calling it the best day of the year.