Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong Tones Down Emotional Displays After Little League Anecdote

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has begun approaching the game differently this season, prompted by an offseason anecdote from a Little League parent. The parent told Crow-Armstrong that he removed his son from a team after the child threw his bat and nearly hit a teammate. The kid responded, 'But Pete does it,' according to Crow-Armstrong.

Crow-Armstrong, 24, said the incident hurt and still hurts. He has limited outward displays of emotion, such as throwing his bat or helmet after making an out, so far this season. ESPN reported that these changes stem from the Little League story rather than direct advice from his manager or teammates.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated, 'It's really about respecting yourself, more than the other things. It's the belief about how good you are. ' Crow-Armstrong has been in the major leagues for three-plus seasons.

He noted that handling situations properly, like an adult, helps the game move faster and reduces dwelling on failures. Crow-Armstrong added, 'I've noticed that if I stay in the game and I can just handle my s--- properly, like an adult, then the game goes by faster. I have less time to dwell on what went bad.

' Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber advised him, 'Don't give anyone a reason to feel like there's any extra additive needed to show that you're struggling. "' The Cubs acquired Crow-Armstrong in a 2021 trade deadline deal with the New York Mets for Javier Baez. Earlier this spring, the Cubs gave him a six-year, $115 million contract.

567 OPS in his past 75 games dating back to last Aug. 1. 549 OPS going into a series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit two home runs, including a game-winning three-run blast, in the finale of that series.

His first hit in the series was off infielder Miguel Rojas, Crow-Armstrong said. 840 OPS along with 12 stolen bases. ESPN reported that Crow-Armstrong recalled the hit off Rojas with a smirk, noting it might have sparked his hot streak.

The Cubs are set to face the Dodgers again this weekend in Los Angeles, his hometown.