The vibrant history of South Bend’s Mexican American Baseball League comes to life in bold color and community spirit with the unveiling of a new mural at Foundry Field. The event, hosted by the Institute for Social Concerns and affiliated faculty, celebrates the stories of migrant workers, baseball, and the neighborhoods that shaped generations.
For Juan Hernandez, a keynote speaker and respected community leader, the mural is more than a tribute—it’s personal.
Several months ago, while presenting the next phase of the Foundry Field project, Clinton Carlson of Notre Dame’s Department of Art, Art History and Design, shared a historical photo featuring a group of young players from decades past. Among them was a young Hernandez.
That unexpected moment sparked a journey of reconnection, storytelling, and collaboration. Hernandez not only confirmed the players in the photo—he helped track down others, revive memories, and shape the narrative that would guide the mural’s design.
“The mural will provide another memory that adds to our stories which will be shared with generations for years to come,” Hernadez says.
“I am grateful for Hernandez’ impact on our community and proud that his and others' stories will be honored and shared through this mural at Foundry Field,” adds Carlson.
The mural captures the blend of imagination, resilience, and culture that defined life on the west side of South Bend. It honors not just the players, but the families and workers who made this league a source of pride.
“Yesterday is gone but not forgotten,” Hernadez says.
“Today we celebrate the stories of yesterday, and tomorrow, the stories of time will be heard on how the migrant workers, the organized farm workers movement, and the blended diverse cultures joining the Mexican American Baseball League is what has made the history of this league recognizable today.”
The mural dedication was hosted on Friday, May 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Foundry Field, with food trucks, music, and a celebration of culture, art, and sport. Several Notre Dame faculty and staff were part of the project, including Mike Hebbeler from the Institute for Social Concerns, Katherine Walden from American Studies, and Greg Bond from the Hesburgh Library.
This summer, through a partnership with the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) where Hernandez works as the Civic Innovation Lab (CIL) youth development program director, he will return to Foundry Field—not just as a storyteller, but as a coach. As part of the CIL summer camp’s sports track, he’ll lead a group of kids in learning the fundamentals of baseball, using wiffle balls, plastic bats, and the same playful energy that once filled the field generations ago.
Check out the photo gallery below. Photos provided by Javi Zubizarreta from the Institute for Social Concerns.
