Little Cubs Field

09/07/2026

I have taken some time to soak in what just happened in Freeport with the visit from Ben Zobrist. Having had some extended personal time with Ben and his team, I can tell you they are truly the best people you will ever meet. And they shared that their experience here in Freeport with the people they interacted with was uplifting. Thanks to all our board members, volunteers, sponsors, city officials, and fans who attended, as well as those who could not attend, but supported what was happening. You all know who you are! Ben was not paid to come to Freeport--he wanted to come! We should all be proud of that fact! He enjoyed the small town, big heart atmosphere he saw here. Little Cubs Field was built by not only our Freeport and Stephenson County community, but the extended Cubs-loving, baseball-loving( all fans of all teams), positive-thinking, outside the box-thinking community all over this country. We needed every one of you to make this a positive environment for all to enjoy. The Ben Zobrist visit just show-cased that spirit again, and I am confident this is going to continue into the future. WE ARE NOT DONE! Ben Zobrist is a Pretzel! He is a Freeporter! Do not be surprised if you see him again here. Several firsts occurred on September 5th--The first former major leaguer to hit a homerun by kicking a kickball in a replica staduim, and a homerun by hitting a Blitzball in a replica staduim, and the first former major leaguer to be photographed with twin newborn babies in each arm! I am confident those records will not be replicated. Most importantly, thanks to my wife, Judy, for putting me obsessing over endless details, including looking at 14 day weather forecasts( Did you know these are often wrong?). And I learned what going viral on facebook means! Thanks again, Denny Garkey, on behalf of the Little Cubs Field Board.

Send a message to learn more

09/06/2026

What an AMAZING DAY!! We can't begin to express our appreciation and amazement for Ben Zobrist and his team and the hundreds of fans who came out to the field today to enjoy America's game.
The photos speak for themselves. Please share your own photos and

THANK YOU for your support of Little Cubs Field and our exceptional community!

09/04/2026

It's true.
Build it, and Ben Zobrist will come!! TOMORROW!!

09/04/2026

https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/09/04/ben-zobrist-excited-upcoming-visit-little-cubs-field/

Saturday’s event also celebrates Champion Forward, a nonprofit Zobrist and John Harrison founded to focus on helping people navigate the mental and emotional challenges of sports.

08/30/2026

We are just 6 days away from Ben Zobrist Day and it is shaping up to be a grand day at Little Cubs Field. All of the preparation could not be possible without the help of great sponsors!! Thank you to our very supportive community partners!

08/24/2026

Hope you all are ready to attend Ben Zobrist Day at Little Cubs Field, Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 10 am to 4 pm..We still have one spot left in the age 7-9 homerun derby and 11 spots left in the age 10-12 homerun derby. Pre-registration is free at our page and Greater Freeport Partnership page. There are also may spots left for the age 13-17 homerun derby. Admission is free as is the Homerun derby. Autograph pre-registration is full. Ben will answer some of your questions and there is a short instructional baseball fundamental clinic for all kids ages 6-12. See you there!

08/18/2026

Hear from THE MAN HIMSELF!
Ben Zobrist is coming to Little Cubs Field on September 5! All events are FREE to watch and participate, BUT some require PRE-REGISTRATION!!
Pre-register and get more info at
greaterfreeport.com/benzobristday

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

BEN ZOBRIST DAY AT LITTLE CUBS FIELD
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, former Chicago Cub Ben Zobrist will visit Little Cubs Field, the Wrigley Field Replica in FREEPORT, ILLINOIS 61032, as a fundraiser for his sports mental health nonprofit, Champion Forward.

While this is a FREE EVENT - autographs and home run derby require PRE-REGISTRATION! Be sure to pre-register at greaterfreeport.com/benzobristday

Ben was named MVP of the 2016 World Series, won by the Chicago Cubs. He was also a 3 time All-Star and known as a super-utility player who could play all positions on the field and play every day as well. He won 2 World Series, including one for the Kansas City Royals in 2015. He had a 14-year career in the major leagues.

Ben will be at Little Cubs Field, the Wrigley Field replica in Freeport, Illinois, from 10 am to 4 pm. Bringing his 2017 Chevy Camaro convertible, which was presented to him as the MVP of the series in 2016. Fans can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win this piece of Chicago sports history, with the proceeds going to Ben’s charity, Champion Forward, which helps young athletes, parents, and coaches experience sports in a mentally and emotionally healthy way.

There will be a free home run derby for participants of all ages, with prizes for winners. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Ben Zobrist, have items signed, and purchase a signed copy of his new book, Prepare for the Pressure. Ben will lead a free youth baseball clinic, answer questions from the audience, and even participate in the home run derby.

Plus, there will be many more exciting surprises throughout the event. Food will be available for purchase onsite. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, or arrive early to grab a seat in the bleachers. Free parking is available nearby.

Little Cubs Field is a 501c3 non-profit. It is located at 1160 West Empire Street, Freeport, IL 61032. Admission to Little Cubs Field is always free! Questions, email to [email protected]

⚾️❤️⚾️💙⚾️❤️⚾️💙⚾️❤️⚾️💙⚾️❤️⚾️

Following his playing career, Zobrist founded Champion Forward, a nonprofit focused on helping athletes, coaches and parents navigate the mental and emotional challenges of sports. The organization promotes awareness, balance and connection while helping young athletes develop tools for resilience a...

08/07/2026

Ben Zobrist is coming back to Little Cubs Field. Saturday, September 5th, 10 am to 4 pm. Home run derby, signing autographs and his new book, photos with Ben, questions for him, Baseball Clinic, more unique surprises! While all activities are FREE, autographs and home run derby require PRE-REGISTRATION! Be sure to sign up here: greaterfreeport.com/benzobristday
You do not want to miss this! He is bringing the 2017 Chevy Camaro he won in 2016 for being the MVP of the World Series. You will have a chance to win it! Free admission as usual at Little Cubs Field.