The Iowa Cubs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Without a Major League team in any sport in Iowa, the Iowa Cubs represent the highest level of professional sports played in Iowa. We provide the facility, environment and support the Cubs need to develop the skills necessary to compete at the Major League level. In recent seasons, almost all of the Cubs’ young stars played in Des Moines before helping Chicago win the World Series in 2016. Every night there are former and future Major League players on the diamond at Principal Park for both us and our opponent.
Professional baseball has roots in Des Moines going back to the early 1900’s. The first night professional game played under permanent lights took place in Des Moines on May 2, 1930. A crowd of nearly 12,000 watched the Des Moines Demons defeat the Wichita Aviators 13-6 at Western League Park located at Sixth Avenue and Holcomb. Triple-A baseball came to Des Moines in 1969 with the Iowa Oaks and we celebrated 50 seasons of Triple-A baseball in 2018.
Brooks Montange, Assistant Sports Turf Manager