Bourbonnais, IL – Sports fans in Illinois have a new reason to make the trip to Bourbonnais. A piece of Chicago Cubs history — the 2016 World Series MVP trophy — is now on display at a local university, giving fans the chance to see the hardware that marked the Cubs’ first championship in more than a century.
According to the university, Cubs legend Ben Zobrist loaned his World Series MVP trophy to his alma mater for a long-term display. The silver award, presented after the Cubs’ Game 7 victory in 2016, is encased in glass inside the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center and surrounded by memorabilia from Zobrist’s career.
A crowd of students, alumni and community members gathered Wednesday for an unveiling ceremony, where Zobrist spoke about his years at the school and how they shaped his career and faith. He told attendees the trophy represents not just personal achievement but also the support of teammates, coaches and family who helped him along the way.
The display includes other items tied to Zobrist’s career, and the university confirmed it is open to the public during building hours. Zobrist retired from Major League Baseball in 2019 and now focuses on Champion Forward, a nonprofit supporting athletes, parents and coaches in balancing the demands of competitive sports.
If the university’s name rings a bell for fans, it may be because the Chicago Bears held training camp there from 2002 to 2019, including during their 2006 Super Bowl run. The Cubs trophy marks another high-profile sports connection for the campus.
FYI: Fans making the trip to see the Cubs MVP trophy can also stop across the street, where current Cubs player Ian Happ co-owns Connect Roasters, a local coffee shop popular with students and visitors alike.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
