South Bend Joins Sox Organization
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 13, 1986
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Minor league baseball will come to South Bend in 1987!
The Chicago White Sox announce a three-year player development contract between the American League ball club and officials of the new franchise – majority owner Debby Staley, chairman of the board Bob Staley, and minority owner John Wendel.
The yet-to-be-named South Bend club, scheduled to play in South Bend’s new stadium, will join the class “A” Midwest League that also includes Kenosha (Twins), Madison (A’s), Wausau (Mariners), Beloit (Brewers), Cedar Rapids (Reds), Clinton (Giants), Waterloo (Indians), Peoria (Cubs), Springfield (Cardinals), Quad City (Angels), and Burlington (Rangers).
The move ends a 20-year working relationship between the White Sox and Appleton. In the recent past, the Foxes have been the Sox’ most successful minor league affiliate, capturing three of the past four Midwest League champions.
“South Bend is White Sox territory, White Sox country,” offers Sox vice-president/baseball operations David Dombrowski. “We’re delighted to bring professional baseball to South Bend. The city’s proximity to Chicago will benefit both fans and front offices alike. We hope to see a lot of each other.
“We have been very impressed with the Staley family and John Wendel. Quality ownership is the first step toward a successful franchise. The last time the Staleys became involved in something like this, the undertaking became the Chicago Bears and the National Football League!
“Only an opportunity like this could have persuaded the White Sox to leave a tremendous, long-standing relationship with Appleton. We’re willing to make every effort to help Appleton secure another player development contract with a different major league franchise.”
“Bob Staley states, “We’re delighted to be affiliated with an outstanding organization like the White Sox, one with such an outstanding history and commitment to success at the minor league levels.”
Joining Dombrowski at the announcement are White Sox special assistant to the chairman of the board and president Roland Hemond and Steve Noworyta, assistant director of player development and a former league pitcher who spent two seasons (1982-83) at Appleton.
