CHICAGO — While many fans were still engrossed in watching Dansby Swanson’s spectacular home runs at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs shortstop brought the city to its knees with a touching act of kindness. Shortly after receiving his first paycheck from the Cubs, Swanson decided to use the entire amount to pay back his mother, who sacrificed her youth to nurture his sports dreams.
The payment, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, is more than just a material gift. It is a testament to Swanson’s deep gratitude to the woman who has always been behind him, supporting him every step of the way from high school, through college, to becoming an MLB star.
Swanson has shared that his mother, like many other mothers, gave up her own dreams so he could focus on baseball. “I can’t imagine being here without my mom,” Swanson said in an exclusive interview. “I just want her to know that all her sacrifices were appreciated.”

Cubs employees said that when Swanson gave his entire first paycheck to his mother, many were moved to tears. The gesture quickly spread throughout the Chicago and MLB communities, leaving teammates, coaches, and fans touched by his humility and warmth.
Unlike the stories about bonuses or huge contracts that the sports world often talks about, Swanson’s act is a lesson in family values and gratitude. Fans have called it the “home run off the field,” where everyone realized that a great athlete is not just measured by statistics, but also by heart and character.
A teammate of Swanson shared:
“He has always been a family man. On the field, he is Cubs Swanson, but off the field, he is a great son, a man his mother can be proud of.”
Swanson is not only known for his shortstop skills – in 2025 he hit 24 home runs and 77 RBIs, a significant contribution to the Cubs – but also for his responsibility and humility. Practices, games, and awards ceremonies are just part of his larger story: the story of a grateful son who always remembers his family and roots.

Swanson’s mother said: “I never thought he would do this. It was all from the heart, not because anyone saw or applauded. I’m just proud and grateful.”
In the competitive and pressured world of sports, Dansby Swanson’s story reminds everyone: success is not just about the numbers on the scoreboard, but how you appreciate those who sacrificed for you. This act will be remembered forever by Cubs fans, becoming one of the most emotional moments in Swanson’s MLB career.
With this humane step, Swanson not only asserted his position on the field, but also proved that heart, gratitude and humility are the most memorable “home runs”.
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