South Bend Cubs offer support to New Prairie JV Baseball team

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The community continues to rally behind the New Prairie JV Baseball team after a serious crash involving buses last week.

The South Bend Cubs are stepping in, opening their stadium for Wednesday night's game against Penn High School.

"It's tragic what happened to the junior varsity baseball team for New Prairie. When our community hurts, we all hurt. As a baseball organization, it probably hit home a little bit more for us," South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said.

It's been nearly one week since two minibuses carrying New Prairie's baseball team were involved in a serious crash.

"There was some tragedy that happened a week ago, and we want to be here to help ease their pain and maybe also provide a little bit of a distraction to get away from what these kids have had to experience," Hart said.

The first pitch for tonight's game is scheduled for 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Fans can enter through Gate A, and tickets are just $7 at the door, cash, card or even Venmo accepted.

A 50/50 raffle will run throughout the game to help raise money for the family of Lucas Bradshaw, who remains in the ICU.

A $1,000 check from South Bend Cubs will also be donated to the Bradshaw family.

"They were just on their way to go have fun, play a baseball game. When this accident took place, it changed the lives of many, even some of those that maybe didn't get hurt. They're going to have some mental scars for a while that they got to go through, and when they see people here cheering for them and lifting them up, hopefully, that raises their spirits and can kind of get them back on track," Hart said.