in november 2011, berlin announced he had reached an agreement to purchase the south bend silver hawks. he signed a 20-year cumulative lease agreement with the city of south bend for the use of stanley coveleski regional stadium. the sale was approved by the midwest league, minor league and major league baseball and the office of the commissioner of major league baseball in early january 2012. on january 12, 2012, the financial and legal transactions were completed, and berlin became the sole owner of the south bend silver hawks.