(South Bend, IN) - A longtime South Bend sports mascot will be flying off into the sunset at the end of this baseball season.

 

This week Swoop the Silver Hawk announced his retirement. Swoop was the furry-feathered cheerleader for the South Bend Silver Hawks dating back to 1997. He was kept on staff when the Chicago Cubs adopted the franchise, and Swoop has mentored the new mascot, Stu. D. Baker, who will carry on the duties.

 

Over the past ten years, Swoop has seen his favorite ball club soar to new heights, with a stadium rehab, record attendance, and two Midwest League Championships.

 

But Swoop says these days his bird legs aren’t quite as limber as they used to be. “I only want to perform at my best and go out on top,” he said at a press conference. “And at my old age, I don’t want to be a bird-en, but I have no egrets!”

 

Swoop will cheer at his final game on August 25th, wrapping up a 28-year career. Team officials said plans are in the works to replace Swoop.