The Institute Cubs fell to their 35th straight loss in a Door County League game against Egg Harbor, a result that has become a familiar headline for the struggling club. Pitcher Will Hartman, who has been a steady presence on the mound, kept the Cubs competitive by working into the seventh inning despite the mounting pressure.
A glimmer of hope
Brady Kita provided the spark the team needed, singling home a go‑ahead run in the bottom of the seventh to briefly flip the scoreboard. The Cubs, however, were unable to extend the lead, leaving nine runners stranded across the first five innings and watching Egg Harbor’s defense close the gap.
The loss did little to dampen the camaraderie that defines the squad. After the final out, players gathered for a beer, laughing about the day’s mishaps while still savoring the simple pleasure of being on the field. Manager Jared Pflieger and longtime supporter Jason Annis‑Wild both expressed confidence that the next recruit will bring fresh energy, and they anticipate Siggy Hansen’s upcoming arrival as a boost to the pitching staff.
Long‑time club operator Jason Annis‑Wild, who has overseen the team for 37 years, remains convinced that a turnaround is only a matter of time. With the backing of Joe and Leah Hoffman, who have supplied stability behind the scenes, the Cubs continue to attract talent like Marty Walsh, a St. Norbert pitcher who could join once he meets the league’s residency requirement. The organization, rooted in Door County’s small‑town spirit, draws on the resources of nearby St. Norbert College and the Door Peninsula Winery, which have become informal partners in the team’s community outreach.
Even as the scoreboard reflects a winless streak, the Cubs’ focus stays on the next game, the next hit, and the next chance to celebrate with friends. Their resilience is not measured by victories alone but by the steady rhythm of baseball, the shared laughs, and the promise that a new face will soon change the narrative.