A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Joe Hart

Joe Hart comes from a region states away from Indiana, having grown up in North Central Pennsylvania. He went to earn a sports management degree at West Virginia University as an undergraduate, where he had the life-changing opportunity to take on an internship with the Buffalo Bisons minor league baseball team in New York between his junior and senior year. This opened more doors that eventually led him to his role today as the president of the South Bend Cubs, a minor-league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. 

After graduating from college, Hart lived in several cities, working in operations for professional sports teams. His career has taken him out to Harlingen, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Fresno, California. He later moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he worked for Ripken Baseball, an experience spearheaded by brothers Cal and Bill Ripken, both of whom were formerly Major League Baseball (MLB) stars.

In 2011, Hart got the call from Andrew Berlin, a stakeholder in the Cubs, and a year later he officially started in the position he holds today. This current season brings him to the 31st one he’s been involved in. Sports have always significantly impacted his life, and he’s been connected to them since he was young. 

“Growing up, I was a three-sport athlete. I played football, basketball, and baseball. My true love was baseball, because it was the sport I was the best at. I tried walking on at West Virginia University, but I ended up hurting my arm during tryouts. I had shoulder surgery, and my playing days were done. I believe everything happens for a reason. Here I am, and I’m still in the game that I appreciate,” Hart said.

As team president, Hart oversees the entirety of the team’s business operations. He runs the franchise, and he’s essentially the liaison between his organization and the city of South Bend. His duties compel him to seek out relationships to establish in the community, strengthening the club. He’ll do a bit of everything, which makes the job fun. 

Hart made many acquaintances during his days as president. In years past, attendance at the ballpark waned, so he’s since been on a mission to continually attract more fans to come to the games. He strives to ensure that the field continues to function as a gathering point for residents of the entire region of Michiana. Along the way, he’s met visitors, one of them having been former President Jimmy Carter. 

“Some of the joys of the job are the people I’ve been able to meet. That’s the number-one highlight, along with having the opportunity to provide a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone,” Hart said. “When the club was bought, the team was struggling. People just weren’t coming out. Now we’re drawing over 300,000 people a year. The facilities have become a place where we’re creating lifelong memories for folks.” 

Constantly thinking about ways to improve, Hart’s eager for the future. He’s excited to further develop all aspects of the franchise. Recently, he’s been in the midst of an expensive renovation project, and through that he wishes to upgrade and refurbish an already pristine facility. It’s humbling for him to be offered chances to contribute to something so important to the surrounding community. 

“The stadium was built in 1987, and 38 years later, it’s getting a major upgrade. To be entrusted with this franchise and this facility humbles me. The main thing is to continue to improve and provide better experiences for our community,” Hart said. “The city has been phenomenal to work with. To be a part of establishing areas like its downtown is exciting.” 

Outside of work, Hart enjoys traveling. Additionally, he and his wife will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in October. His three children compete in sports, so he enjoys watching them thrive as they live their best lives through competition. He himself remains a competitor, particularly when he golfs, and in the wintertime he and his family go skiing. 

Hart has a special spot in his heart for the larger Michiana community. He prizes it both professionally and personally, and he makes its wellbeing a priority. The benefit of playing a part of the bigger picture allows him to also take pride in the place he’s called home for over a decade. 

“The community is fantastic. When you hear of Midwest hospitality, there’s nothing more accurate. I didn’t know anybody when I moved here, but this community absolutely accepted me and my family as one of their own. I love that fact,” Hart said. “The community offers a lot, but what sticks out to me about it is how welcoming it is.”