Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Baseball laid the foundation for South Bend's growth.
In the early 20th century, Black Studebaker employees formed the Foundry Giants, despite facing long shifts and segregation. The women of the South Bend Blue Sox broke barriers and inspired others to chase their dreams. Migrant farmworkers created a Mexican-American league that fostered decades of community connection and organizing. Today, investment in the South Bend Cubs fuels both the game and downtown's revitalization.
Across generations, baseball has shaped the city - South Bend was, and remains, "Built by Baseball."
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Foundry Field
05:20 Industrial Leagues and the Foundry Giants
12:44 Uncle Bill's Colored Girl's Softball Team
18:33 South Bend Blue Sox
29:21 Mexican-American Baseball League
38:54 Foundry Field Revisited - Community Heritage
43:18 South Bend's Minor League Franchise
55:05 Credits
Baseball laid the foundation for South Bend's growth.
In the early 20th century, Black Studebaker employees formed the Foundry Giants, despite facing long shifts and segregation. The women of the South Bend Blue Sox broke barriers and inspired others to chase their dreams. Migrant farmworkers created a Mexican-American league that fostered decades of community connection and organizing. Today, investment in the South Bend Cubs fuels both the game and downtown's revitalization.
Across generations, baseball has shaped the city - South Bend was, and remains, "Built by Baseball."
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Foundry Field
05:20 Industrial Leagues and the Foundry Giants
12:44 Uncle Bill's Colored Girl's Softball Team
18:33 South Bend Blue Sox
29:21 Mexican-American Baseball League
38:54 Foundry Field Revisited - Community Heritage
43:18 South Bend's Minor League Franchise
55:05 Credits
