So it actually happened. After 71 years of waiting, the team I used to despise with all of my heart, the Chicago Cubs have made it to the World Series. Since I've changed my attitude and hope to have a little fun during the Series, I figured I should find out a little more about this team.
So I present to you...
The 2016 Chicago Cubs Primer (Starting Infield)
1B Anthony Rizzo
27 years old
2007 Drafted by Boston in 6th round (By assistant GM Jud Hoyer)
2010 Traded to the San Diego Padres for Adrian Gonzalez (By Jud Hoyer who was now the GM of the Padres)
2012 Traded to the Chicago Cubs for Andrew Cashner (By Jud Hoyer who was now the GM of the Cubs)
It is safe to say that Jud Hoyer loves Anthony RIzzo
3 time All-Star ( including leading NL vote getter this season)
Cool story bro...
In 2008 Rizzo battled Hodgkin's lymphoma at the same time his grandmother was battling breast cancer. Two weeks after Rizzo was told he was in remission, his grandmother passed away. During the National Anthem of every game, Rizzo says a little prayer to his grandmother.
Charity work
In 2008 he began the Anthony Rizzo Foundation. It is a non-profit organization that benefits cancer research and families fighting the disease.
Stats
BA .292
OBP .385
SLG .544
HR 32
R 94
RBI 109
BB 74
K 108
SB 3
2B/SS/3B/1B/OF Javier Baez
23 years old
2011 Drafted 9th overall by the Cubs
Cool story bro...
He is the inspiration for the Cubs motto, "Try not to suck". Madden jokingly told this to his young prospect after he was called up from the minor leagues.
He was born in puerto Rico but attended high school in Florida. His family moved to the U.S.A. in 2005 in order to get medical treatment for his sister, Noely, who had spina bifida.
Here's what Baez had to say about his sister:
"When I was a little kid and I didn't understand her situation, yeah, I thought, 'Wow, we have a handicapped sister,' and it's hard for my mom," Javier said. "Once I started growing up and lived with her every day, I realized this is not hard for us. God gave us this miracle. That's what she is, a miracle. She's in our lives for a reason."
His sister passed away in April of 2015 at the age of 21. He took a leave of absence to grieve.
He has the MLB logo tattooed on the back of his neck
He is the first player for the Cubs to steal home in a postseason game since Jimmy Slagle in 1907.
Charity work
He has participated in Yadier Molina's charity softball game in Puerto Rico which benefits Foundation 4.
As a minor leaguer ( with a small contract) he hosted a pizza party for children with spina bifida and invited those children to one of his minor league games.
Stats
BA .273
OBP .314
SLG .423
HR 14
R 50
RBI 59
BB 15
K 108
SB 12
SS Addison Russell
22 Years old
2012 Drafted #11 overall by the Oakland A's
2014 Traded to Cubs for Jeff Samardzja (Which was an absolute steal in my humble opinion)
Starting shortstop at this year's All-Star game
Cool story bro...
Mired in a terrible 1 for 24 slump to start this year's playoffs, he broke out of it after borrowing team mate Matt Szczur's "lucky underwear". He wore them for game 4 of the NLCS. That game he had 3 hits including a 2-run homer. He wore them again in game 5 and hit another 2-run homer. He prefers to refer to the "underwear" as "leggings".
Charity work
Russell has participated in manager Joe Maddon's Respect 90 foundation events.
Stats
BA .238
OBP .321
SLG .417
HR 21
R 67
RBI 95
BB 55
K 135
SB 5
3B/LF Kris Bryant
24 years old
2013 2nd overall pick by the Chicago Cubs
2 time All-Star (NL starter this year)
2015 NL Rookie of the Year
Cool story bro...
He was his high school salutatorian but turned it down so a classmate could enjoy the honor.
He was engaged to be married in June of 2016... and took his engagement photos in Wrigley Field
Charity work
Co-hosts an anual golf tournament with his friend Bryce Harper.
Participate's in Anthony Rizzo's charity cook-off.
Participates in Las Vegas charity poker tournaments to benefit local charities.
Stats
BA .292
OBP .385
SLG .554
HR 39
R 121(league leader)
RBI 102
BB 75
K 154
SB 8
Sources
http://www.baseball-reference.com
http://www.theplayerstribune.com/anthony-rizzo-grandmother-breast-cancer-mothers-day/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicagoinc/ct-dexter-fowler-cubs-school-chicago-inc-spt-0901-20160831-story.html
http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/66112700//
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/the-secret-behind-addison-russells-surge-a-teammates-underwear-060811439.html
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/161903722/kris-bryant-hosts-poker-tournament-for-charity/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Cubs