\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Naming Hendricks the Opening Day starter was always going to be Ross' choice.\n\n\"I feel like Kyle,\" Ross said, \"his résumé, his leadership, his poise, all that goes into being the Opening Day starter, just the extra kind of pomp and circumstance that goes with Opening Day, and especially on this coming year as well, I mean, every arrow points to Kyle.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2021-03-24T02:54:36.621Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-03/23/4a489d84-83e2d63f-1f4e87a0-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Cubs manager David Ross talks about the team's rotation behind Kyle Hendricks and Alec Mills","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:59","slug":"david-ross-on-cubs-rotation","tags":[{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-112","title":"Chicago Cubs","team":{"__ref":"Team:112"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"press-conference","title":"press conference","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"cactus-league","title":"Cactus League","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/bmkhgemjqrf0j7iqqjdd"},"title":"David Ross on Cubs' rotation","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/david-ross-on-cubs-rotation"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Arrieta started on Opening Day for the Cubs in 2016, when he was coming off his historic '15 performance. Hendricks cracked a smile Tuesday when asked if he would rib his rotation 'mate about having more Opening Day starts for the North Siders.\n\n\"I'm definitely not prepared to do that,\" Hendricks said with a laugh. \"He was one of the guys that, really, I learned so much from my first few years here. He took me under his wing.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
Anybody remember what happened last time Kyle Hendricks started on Opening Day? pic.twitter.com/DXijoFhI3x
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":" \n\nNow, Hendricks has turned into that leader for the Cubs.\n\n\"Kyle is about as rock solid of an individual that you're going to find anywhere -- not just in baseball,\" Arrieta said. \"And he's been that way since we first met. He hasn't changed. He's the same guy. He works incredibly hard.\"\n\nSpeaking at the Cubs' complex earlier this spring, Arrieta noted that Hendricks arrived at camp having already built up to a 60-pitch bullpen session. On the day Arrieta arrived, he said he was in the clubhouse when he saw Hendricks -- after a throwing session -- grabbing batting gloves and a bat to go work on bunting.\n\n\"That's the kind of stuff that,\" Arrieta said, \"it just gives me goosebumps to see from my teammates. This guy, this guy wants it. He really wants to be the best he can possibly be.\"\n\nHendricks said he benefited early in his career from watching the routines of veterans like Lester, Arrieta and John Lackey. Hendricks would sit next to Arrieta in the dugout during games, talking about approach and mindset and pitches.\n\nOver the past few years, Hendricks has noticed younger players now coming to him for similar conversations. He welcomes and embraces his role as a veteran leader, voice and resource.\n\nAnd that process will continue on Opening Day.\n\n\"I just try to be the same guy I've always been,\" he said. \"I want the guys to be able to trust what they're going to get out of me.\"","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/kyle-hendricks-cubs-opening-day-starter-for-2021","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"'Every arrow points to Kyle,' said Ross of Cubs leader, who tossed shutout in '20 opener","summary":"Cubs manager David Ross did not even let the reporter finish the question. Ross has been asked about the Opening Day starter assignment multiple times throughout this spring, and the answer has always been an obvious one. The manager recognized the familiar inquiry on Tuesday morning and interjected with his","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-112","title":"Chicago Cubs","team":{"__ref":"Team:112"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-543294","title":"Kyle Hendricks","person":{"__ref":"Person:543294"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"opening-week","title":"Opening Week","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"jordan-bastian","title":"Jordan Bastian","type":"contributor"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ygxrsdu0l5pstvj4w175","title":"Kyle Hendricks Cubs' Opening Day starter for 2021"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/chc/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t112-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t112-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Ticket Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Ticket Deposits","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/deposits","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":"","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training Tickets","linkUrl":"/sloan-park/tickets/single-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Suites and Premier Seating","linkUrl":"http://cubs.com/premier","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Packs","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"School Night Special","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/school-night","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Northwestern Football","linkUrl":"/tickets/events/football","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series","linkUrl":"/tickets/events/bigtenhockey","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Convention","linkUrl":"/fans/cubs-convention","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts at Wrigley Field","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field Experience","linkUrl":"/tickets/wrigley-field-experience","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotional Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"CUBS U Student Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/cubsu","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"My Cubs Tickets","linkUrl":"https://mlb.tickets.com/?orgid=40490&agency=CBMT_MYTIXX","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seating Map","linkUrl":"https://map.3ddigitalvenue.com/chicago-cubs","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Rooftops","linkUrl":"https://www.wrigleyrooftopsllc.com/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mobile Ticketing","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/chicago-cubs-tickets?aid=15968&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=cubs_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Add Schedule To Calendar","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Affiliates Guide","linkUrl":"/schedule/affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Highlights","linkUrl":"/fans/weekly-highlights","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?teamId=112","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=112","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/topic/cubs-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/cubs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-time Roster","linkUrl":"http://mlb.mlb.com/chc/history/players.jsp","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2024/cubs/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Minor League Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/team/affiliations","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/cubs-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Cut4","linkUrl":"/video/topic/cubs-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Reviews","linkUrl":"/video/topic/cubs-reviews","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Manager Postgame","linkUrl":"/video/topic/cubs-manager-postgame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t112-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs All Access","linkUrl":"/video/topic/cubs-all-access","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/cubs-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/cubs-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feeds","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/cubs-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Information","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"New Seat Numbering System","linkUrl":"/ballpark/renumbering","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking and Transportation","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Game Day Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium#non-gameday","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rooftop Partners - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/rooftop-partners","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/gates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sloan Park","linkUrl":"/sloan-park","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Events at Wrigley Field","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts at Wrigley Field","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ground Rules","linkUrl":"/ballpark/ground-rules","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A to Z Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Directions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field Netting","linkUrl":"/ballpark/netting","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Store","linkUrl":"/ballpark/cubs-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubscharities.org","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Donate to Cubs Charities","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/donate","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"In-Kind Donations","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/in-kind-donations","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Charities Events","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"50/50 Raffle","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Charities Programs","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/baseball-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Race to Wrigley","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/race-to-wrigley","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bricks and Ivy","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/bricks-and-ivy","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scholars","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/cubs-scholars","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Project","linkUrl":"/community/cubs-charities/diamond-project","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wrigley Field Neighbors","linkUrl":"/community/wrigley-field-neighbors","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Neighborhood Protection Activities","linkUrl":"/community/neighborhood-protection","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation","linkUrl":"https://www.baseballydf.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Assistance Team","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/baseball-assistance-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rbi","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stand Up To Cancer","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together/stand-up-to-cancer","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Appreciation","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together/military-appreciation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"appears:1654704000;expires:1657303200;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2022","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Convention","linkUrl":"/fans/cubs-convention","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media Clubhouse","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Fan Clubs","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-clubs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clark's Crew","linkUrl":"/fans/kids/clarks-crew","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Summer Camps","linkUrl":"/fans/kids/summer-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Archive","linkUrl":"/ballpark/archives","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Make It Cubs","linkUrl":"/fans/make-it-cubs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/t-36228622+z-808474-1125435766?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/jerseys/t-25884222+d-8994221258+z-8-2198829038?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/caps/t-25006444+d-9027998858+z-96-1240034434?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/men/t-36663166+ga-01+z-84435-1984436585?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/women/t-25661999+ga-35+z-985547-3686653398?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/kids/t-25006466+ga-58+z-963367-1048001442?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/big-and-tall/t-14775300+es-02+z-82135-3386770238?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-25778699+d-6738442250+z-8-3226732755?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/home-and-office/t-14336477+d-5661999088+z-90-3380041449?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/chicago-cubs/t-36228622+z-808474-1125435766?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/national-league/chicago-cubs?portal=JTB21M3R&CMP=PSC-JTB21M3R","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-chc","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Cubs Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://cubs.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*j9qedz*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+CHC&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+CHC&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/cubs-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":"https://www.mlb.com/es/cubs","linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/cubs","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#0e3386","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#cc3433","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#0e3386","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t112_url_logocubs_url_svg/ec0f65be870cde0ffd7648aa464d8bff/t112_url_logo.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/6PsritxVExBHYETwu8iaH5/53b1e196048c6976a5dbb3f73fe363aa/Cubs_YouHavetoCIt_Horizontal_White.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"300px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"40px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","id":112,"division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Person:543294":{"__typename":"Person","id":543294},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcubs","linkInternalFilters":"chicago,cubs"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Chicago Cubs","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
It's official: Hendricks to start Opening Day
It's official: Hendricks to start Opening Day
'Every arrow points to Kyle,' said Ross of Cubs leader, who tossed shutout in '20 opener
Cubs manager David Ross did not even let the reporter finish the question. Ross has been asked about the Opening Day starter assignment multiple times throughout this spring, and the answer has always been an obvious one. The manager recognized the familiar inquiry on Tuesday morning and interjected with his choice -- really, the only choice -- to finally make things official.
Hendricks is the unquestioned leader of the Cubs' rotation, even with former Chicago ace and 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta back in the fold for the North Siders for the upcoming campaign. The only thing that could stand in the way of Hendricks earning a second consecutive Opening Day nod would be unforeseen circumstances, and the right-hander has navigated his way through his Spring Training routine and schedule without incident.
So, come April 1, Hendricks will take his place on the Wrigley Field mound, taking on the Pirates to begin Chicago's season.
There have been plenty of Cubs pitchers over the past century-plus to take the ball on Opening Day in back-to-back years, with names like Fergie Jenkins, Jon Lester and Rick Sutcliffe highlighting that list. Prior to Hendricks, Lester started three openers in a row (and four in five years, dating back to 2015).
"Any time you're mentioned with those guys, that's a hell of a treat," Hendricks said Tuesday. "It really means a lot to me, yeah, to be in the same group as those guys and those names."
Last July, when the Cubs started the abbreviated 2020 campaign after the shortened Summer Camp build-up, Hendricks was named the Opening Day starter by Ross in the manager's first complicated season at the helm. All Hendricks did in that July 24 outing against the Brewers was spin a shutout, striking out nine, scattering three hits and issuing zero walks in his nine-inning masterpiece.
"It worked out pretty good last year," Ross quipped on Tuesday. "I don't know that I was expecting that."
Of course, that outing by Hendricks began a regular season unlike any other in MLB history. Not only was the schedule trimmed to 60 games after baseball's three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but MLB teams played with no fans in attendance.
Hendricks said he was really looking forward to heading to the hill at Wrigley Field with an audience once again. There will again be fans on the rooftops, but the old ballpark will also begin this season with a limited-capacity crowd (20 percent).
"It's going to be awesome," Hendricks said. "To have the fans back in there, it's been such a big hit not having them. So, we really realize why we play the game, and to be able to have them and that energy they bring every single day, it's going to be so much fun."
Over a dozen starts in '20, Hendricks fashioned a 2.88 ERA with 64 strikeouts and only eight walks in 81 1/3 innings. The right-hander relies on precision and weak contact, and he has still dominated batters in the era of high velocity and eye-popping movement.
Entering his eighth season with the Cubs, Hendricks has been a source of consistency, posting a 3.12 ERA both in the regular season and postseason. He won an ERA title in 2016, started Game 7 of the World Series that fall and has since grown steadily into the clear leader of Chicago's pitching staff.
Fun fact:
Kyle Hendricks has a 3.12 career ERA in the regular season and a 3.12 career in the postseason, while pitching for Chicago (312 area code).
Naming Hendricks the Opening Day starter was always going to be Ross' choice.
"I feel like Kyle," Ross said, "his résumé, his leadership, his poise, all that goes into being the Opening Day starter, just the extra kind of pomp and circumstance that goes with Opening Day, and especially on this coming year as well, I mean, every arrow points to Kyle."
Arrieta started on Opening Day for the Cubs in 2016, when he was coming off his historic '15 performance. Hendricks cracked a smile Tuesday when asked if he would rib his rotation 'mate about having more Opening Day starts for the North Siders.
"I'm definitely not prepared to do that," Hendricks said with a laugh. "He was one of the guys that, really, I learned so much from my first few years here. He took me under his wing."
Anybody remember what happened last time Kyle Hendricks started on Opening Day? pic.twitter.com/DXijoFhI3x
Now, Hendricks has turned into that leader for the Cubs.
"Kyle is about as rock solid of an individual that you're going to find anywhere -- not just in baseball," Arrieta said. "And he's been that way since we first met. He hasn't changed. He's the same guy. He works incredibly hard."
Speaking at the Cubs' complex earlier this spring, Arrieta noted that Hendricks arrived at camp having already built up to a 60-pitch bullpen session. On the day Arrieta arrived, he said he was in the clubhouse when he saw Hendricks -- after a throwing session -- grabbing batting gloves and a bat to go work on bunting.
"That's the kind of stuff that," Arrieta said, "it just gives me goosebumps to see from my teammates. This guy, this guy wants it. He really wants to be the best he can possibly be."
Hendricks said he benefited early in his career from watching the routines of veterans like Lester, Arrieta and John Lackey. Hendricks would sit next to Arrieta in the dugout during games, talking about approach and mindset and pitches.
Over the past few years, Hendricks has noticed younger players now coming to him for similar conversations. He welcomes and embraces his role as a veteran leader, voice and resource.
And that process will continue on Opening Day.
"I just try to be the same guy I've always been," he said. "I want the guys to be able to trust what they're going to get out of me."