Chicago, IL – On a gloomy night at Wrigley Field, after the Chicago Cubs were officially eliminated from the 2025 World Series, Coach Craig Counsell stunned the entire baseball world with a frank and emotional statement: “I’m really disappointed in myself. If the fans or the board feel I’m not a good fit, I’m going to go.”
The statement rang out not only as an admission of responsibility, but also as a sob from a man carrying the expectations of the entire city of Chicago on his shoulders.
In a press conference after the painful loss to the Atlanta Braves, Counsell sat quietly for a moment before speaking:
“I promised the players that we would go further, that the Chicago Cubs would get back to where they belong – the World Series. But when the loss came, I can only say I take responsibility. Not the players, not the coaching staff – me.”
His voice cracked when he mentioned his players:
“I saw tears in the locker room, I saw young guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kevin Alcántara with their heads down, and I knew they fought to the very end. That made me proud and it broke my heart.”
The Chicago Cubs entered the 2025 season with great confidence. With a talented young core of players like Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and the emergence of Crow-Armstrong, they were expected to rewrite history under Counsell, who was the highest-paid coach in MLB when he signed a five-year, $40 million contract.
But after a strong start to the season, the Cubs ran out of steam in the final stages. They lost three straight games to the Braves in the Championship Series, ending their World Series dream by one step.
“We had everything—spirit, belief, desire. But sometimes baseball is cruel,” Counsell said. “We created opportunities, but we couldn’t capitalize. And when that happens, it’s my fault.”
Insiders say Counsell spent nearly 30 minutes after the game talking privately with the players. He didn’t yell, he didn’t criticize—he just said thank you. An anonymous player shared:
“He said if anyone needed someone to blame, they should turn to him. The room was quiet. No one wanted to see Coach Counsell shoulder the blame.”
The Cubs’ board, led by president Jed Hoyer, has not yet commented officially on Counsell’s future. However, sources told Marquee Sports Network that the team still believes in his long-term plan and leadership.
Despite the loss, the 2025 season still saw a significant step forward for the Cubs – the team returned to the playoffs with consistent form and a rapidly maturing young team.
“It’s easy to blame when you lose,” Counsell shared. “But I never hide. I love this team, I love this city, and if they still need me – I’ll continue to fight with them.”
He paused, took a deep breath, and then said something that silenced the press room:
“If the fans feel it’s time for me to leave… I’ll respect that. But know that I’m leaving with a Cubs heart.”
In sports, sometimes the words spoken after a loss are remembered longer than the moments of victory. Craig Counsell’s statement was more than an apology – it was a commitment, a heartfelt message to those who believed in him. While his future with the Chicago Cubs remains uncertain, the affection and respect from players and fans alike speaks volumes: Craig Counsell is more than just a manager – he is a symbol of responsibility, love, and loyalty.
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