A Poignant Moment in the Cubs Clubhouse

In a poignant moment that resonated deeply in the Cubs clubhouse following their 3-0 victory, Ian Happ honored his longtime teammate Kyle Hendricks after what may have been the veteran pitcher's last home start at Wrigley Field. A pyramid of baseballs, each encased in plastic, was expertly arranged beside Hendricks’ locker to commemorate his incredible performance on the mound that day, where he threw 7.1 shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds.

A Gesture of Appreciation

Knowing that this could be Hendricks’ final outing as a Cub, Happ teamed up with clubhouse personnel, including equipment manager Danny Mueller and team travel director Vijay Tekchandani, to gather the baseballs from each out recorded during this memorable game. The gesture was not just about the statistics, but a profound appreciation for a player whose journey in baseball has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Hendricks' Emotional Response

Reflecting on the emotional day at Wrigley, Hendricks stated, “Yeah, that was so incredible. It just shows who Ian is as a human being and what a friend he is to me. It was super special for him to do that for me in the clubhouse, in front of everybody.”

Honoring a Cubs Legend

Inspired by teammate Dansby Swanson's annual recognition of player accomplishments, Happ took it upon himself to shine a light on Hendricks’ impactful 11-year career with the Cubs. “We don’t know exactly what the future holds for Kyle, here or elsewhere,” Happ noted. “But it’s important to honor the contributions he’s made to this team and organization. He embodies what a Chicago Cub is all about, both on and off the field.”

Celebrating Career Milestones

Happ's tribute included a recount of some of Hendricks' significant career milestones, reminding everyone present of his remarkable 2016 NLCS performance that propelled the Cubs to the World Series by silencing the formidable Dodgers. Perhaps most impressive was a streak between August 2015 and May 2017, where Hendricks went an astonishing 48 starts without allowing more than four earned runs in any game.

Record-Creating Performances

The numbers certainly speak volumes. Hendricks holds the franchise record for playoff starts, with 11 postseason appearances, and ranks seventh all-time in strikeouts for the Cubs. “Just the all-time numbers for the Cubs and the postseason stuff is unbelievable,” Happ added, with undeniable admiration.

A Lasting Legacy

As the crowd in the clubhouse simmered with emotion, Hendricks' legacy was celebrated, not merely for his athletic prowess but for the person he has been to his teammates throughout the years. As fans and fellow players reflected on the powerful bond within the team, one thing became clear: whether wearing a Cubs jersey next season or not, Kyle Hendricks’ impact will forever be etched in the hearts of Cubs fans and players alike.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Stay tuned as we track the next chapter for Hendricks – will he remain a Cub, or is a new adventure on the horizon?