CHICAGO — It was one of those sad but emotional moments for Cubs fans: Kyle Hendricks, the legendary pitcher nicknamed “The Professor,” is officially hanging up his gloves after 12 seasons in MLB. Cubs President of Operations Tom Ricketts issued a heartwarming statement that paints a picture of legacy, emotion, and family — all intertwined in a legend’s farewell.
“My family and I congratulate Kyle on his decision to retire after a great career,” Ricketts said. He emphasized that Hendricks was not only one of the best pitchers in Cubs history, but his role in the 2016 World Series championship was irreplaceable. “We wouldn’t have won the Cup without his incredible performance that year,” Ricketts said.
Tom went on to describe Hendricks as a model of calm and composure on the field: “‘The Professor’ always kept his cool, but his performances lit a fire under the skin of millions of Cubs fans.” Recalling classic moments, from the 2016 playoffs to his final appearance at Wrigley Field in 2024, Ricketts expressed his deep gratitude: “He brought the fans sweet emotions.”
What made the speech even more touching was when Ricketts mentioned the Hendricks family: “Now it’s time for Kyle, his wife Emma and their family to build new memories in retirement,” he said, “and we hope they come back to Wrigley Field many times.”
It’s a promise from an organization that values and loves its players, not just for their abilities, but for who they are.
Hendricks’ career with the Cubs spanned 11 seasons, culminating in 97 wins, a 3.68 ERA, and 1,259 strikeouts — numbers that cement his place in team history.
But what really set him apart was his style: calm pitching, subtle tactics with changeups and sinkers — not chasing speed, but precision down to the last movement.
Chicago Sun-Times
Ricketts also didn’t forget to talk about Hendricks’ final season: after leaving Chicago, he played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2025, finishing his career with 31 starts and a 4.76 ERA.
But the Cubs owner’s message remains strong: Hendricks will always be part of the Cubs family — and Wrigley Field’s doors will always be open to him.
The fan community couldn’t contain their emotions when Ricketts shared his story. Messages of gratitude and shared memories flooded social media, with many calling it “the warmest goodbye to a legend.” Hendricks’ name has now been added to Cubs history — not just for his accurate pitches, but for his humble yet resilient heart.
Kyle Hendricks is gone, but the legacy of “The Professor” will live on at Wrigley, where some of the best memories were written through dedication, perseverance, and love for the blue and white.
Leave a Reply