In what may be his final outing for the Chicago Cubs, veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks delivered an impressive performance against the Cincinnati Reds, pitching 7⅓ shutout innings. This marked a significant moment for the 34-year-old right-hander, who is set to become a free agent after spending 11 seasons with the team.
Hendricks’ emotional farewell began even before the game, as the Wrigley Field crowd showered him with appreciation during pregame warmups and continued to show their support throughout the match.
Hendricks expressed a mix of emotions during his final moments on the mound, acknowledging the intensity of the crowd’s cheers. He admitted that while he generally dislikes the spotlight, he understood the importance of soaking in such moments.
The fans further honored him with a curtain call after he exited the game, emphasizing the impact he has had on the team and its supporters. The Cubs secured a victory in the eighth inning, but the focus remained on Hendricks, the last active member of the 2016 World Series team.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell recognized the significance of the day, noting that it would be a memorable experience for the younger players. Hendricks handled the emotional pressure well, executing his classic pitching style—relying on contact and utilizing his defense to maintain dominance.
Despite only striking out two batters, he limited the Reds to just two hits and two walks, showcasing his skill and resilience. Teammate Ian Happ praised Hendricks as a quintessential Cub, highlighting not only his on-field achievements but also his character and leadership.
Throughout his 275 career starts with the Cubs, Hendricks has maintained a respectable 3.68 ERA and earned the 2016 ERA title. He played a critical role in the Cubs’ championship run that year, delivering a memorable performance in the NLCS and starting Game 7 of the World Series, which led to the team’s first title in 108 years.
This season, however, has been challenging for him; he struggled early on, raising doubts about his future with the franchise. Despite this, a stint in the bullpen allowed him to regain his form, resulting in a much-improved 2.89 ERA in September.
Looking ahead, Hendricks expressed a desire to continue pitching, ideally with the Cubs. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the emergence of young talent within the organization and his less-than-stellar performance this year.
While he remains open to the possibility of staying, he understands that he may need to seek opportunities elsewhere. Manager Counsell conveyed confidence in Hendricks’ potential for future success, emphasizing the value of his character and experience, suggesting that there is still a place for him in the game, regardless of where he ends up.
