Cubs World Series MVP’s Surprise Visit to Freeport Led to Fundraiser

What started as a random stop in Freeport, Illinois, by a former World Series MVP could soon become one of the most memorable baseball events ever held at Little Cubs Field.

A Random Stop Turns Into a September Baseball Spectacular

Chicago Cubs legend Ben Zobrist, who helped lead the 2016 team to a World Series Championship over the Cleveland Indians in Game 7, will return to the Wrigley Field replica on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

A fundraiser is planned at Little Cubs Field that will benefit Zobrist's nonprofit, Champion Forward, and the founder of the field, Denny Garkey, says the connection happened almost by accident.

Zobrist was returning from the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, when someone suggested that on his way back to Chicago, he pull off U.S. Route 20 in Freeport to visit Little Cubs Field.

Cubs Star Spent Nearly an Hour Exploring Wrigley Replica

When Zobrist arrived at the ballpark, Garkey just happened to be there and noticed him sitting on the mound at Little Cubs Field recording content on his phone.

"I pitched a bunch of balls, he hit a bunch of home runs, used a wiffleball bat with the soft, spongy balls we use for home run derby," Garkey said. Zobrist then asked him a question. "Can we get a car on this field?"

That question became the blueprint for a fundraising event that is scheduled for this September.

A Cubs MVP, a Camaro, and a Home Run Derby

Ben Zobrist will bring the Chevy Camaro Convertible he received after being named MVP of the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship to the September 5 event at Little Cubs Field in Freeport from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The vehicle has been donated to Zobrist's nonprofit Champion Forward and will be part of a sweepstakes that fans can find out more about during the fundraiser.

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Fans can meet Zobrist, get autographs, purchase a signed copy of his book Prepare for the Pressure, watch him participate in a home run derby, and there will be a free youth baseball clinic.

Garkey says the home run derby will be open to all ages, and Zobrist plans to have the Camaro convertible positioned in center field to hit around. Additional surprises are promised.

Champion Forward Brings a Bigger Mission to Freeport

Zobrist's Champion Forward focuses on helping young athletes, parents, and coaches navigate the mental and emotional pressures that come with advancing in sports. Especially when moving from high school to college, where the pressure can increase dramatically.

The fundraiser with Ben Zobrist at Little Cubs Field on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free, with food available for purchase. Guests can use the left field bleachers or bring lawn chairs, and free parking is available near the field.

Little Cubs Field is located at 1160 W. Empire Street, but as Denny Garkey points out, the ballpark may technically sit at McKinley and Empire, but Freeport has its own version of "Clark and Addison to honor the real Wrigley Field.