Iowa Cubs GM Sam Bernabe To Retire, Former Manager Buddy Bailey Passes Away

While the Chicago Cubs are cheerful to be making the playoffs for the first time in five years, the team has struggled to find a win since clinching a postseason berth. As the 2016 World Series Champions feel the pressure to win it all again this year, the organization was struck with some sadness twice for Chicago's Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs.

One executive is stepping down from one role and a former manager has passed away in the same week. The Cubs' fan base and the baseball world has been rocked by two sad announcements.

While Chicago prepares for the playoffs, Iowa is done playing for the year. The Triple-A Cubs barely finished 2025 under the .500 mark and without a winning record (74-75). Back in April, they were named the top minor league baseball team.

After 42 years, our leader and chief, Sam Bernabe, announced this morning he is taking his first official steps into retirement and is passing the General Manager torch to Randy Wehofer.

“It’s been a great run for me. I’m humbled and honored to have been this team’s General… pic.twitter.com/qKWswkViiY
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 22, 2025

Tommy Burch of the Des Moines Register reported this week that team president and general manager Sam Bernabe made his decision known to players at Principal Park that this season was his last as the general manger. Bernabe has been the a part of the Iowa Cus organization after more than 40 years.

Randy Wehofer, who is the club’s assistant general manager, has accepted a promotion to replace Bernabe as the general manager. Wehofer will take over the Iowa Cubs' day-to-day operations.

Sam Bernabe has been with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs for so long that he has seen the likes of Greg Maddux, Ryne Sandberg, & more — Sam Bernabe, Iowa Cubs president and general manager, sits for a photo in the stands of Principal Park, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Des Moines. After a season off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team is preparing for their home opener a week from today. 0427 Iowa Cubs 004 Jpg | Kelsey Kremer/The Register via Imagn Content Services, LLC

"It was more emotional than I anticipated it being,” said Bernabe." "I’ll shift into more of an advisory role, consulting role,” Bernabe said. “But the decision-maker is Randy."

The interest and focus of Bernabe wanting to be with his family now, especially his grandson (Samuel), Bernabe added more on his decision to step down and inch closer to a full retirement. "I need more time with him," said Bernabe. "I need more time with my family. It’s time.”

We are deeply saddened by the passing of longtime Cubs minor league manager, Buddy Bailey. He managed the Iowa Cubs in 2007, leading the team to a 78-66 record. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2p5vsynuWW
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) September 23, 2025

Former Iowa Cubs Manager Buddy Bailey died

The Iowa Cubs experienced a strong, winning season in 2007. When the minor league team posted a record of 78-66, Buddy Bailey was the general manager at the time.

In addition to Bernabe stepping down, Bailey passed away this week, too. With more than 35 years of experience in minor league baseball, Bailey was victorious in over 2,400 games.

Despite never making the majors, Bailey broke into professional baseball with the Atlanta Braves organization. He was a catcher selected in the 16th round of the 1979 MLB Draft.

Chicago Cub hero Ryne Sandberg also played for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs during his career. Former teammate Greg Maddux did too. — Jun 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame player Ryne Sandberg throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Bailey came to the Class A Daytona Cubs in 2006, a year before his lone season with the Iowa Cubs. He then went on to coach the Tennessee Smokies in 2008, only to be replaced by the late, great Ryne Sandberg.

Famous players who played for the Iowa Cubs include the 2016 MVP Kris Bryant. He was the starting third baseman for a few years during Chicago's resurrection. Hall of Fame starting pitcher Greg Maddux also played for the Iowa Cubs, going 10-1 for them in 1986.

More recently, recognizable members of the 2025 Chicago Cubs, such as pitcher Ben Brown and outfielder Billy Hamilton, also have spent time with the Triple-A Cubs this year. The Chicago Cubs are looking for their first World Series after almost a decade.

The Latest Chicago Cubs News