CHICAGO – As the 2025 season draws to a close, legendary pitcher Lee Smith sent a poignant message to the Chicago Cubs reminding them of the core values he holds dear. It was Smith’s first time speaking since undergoing a heart transplant in the summer of 2024, and his message was not only emotional, but also a reminder of the spirit, responsibility, and love for the Cubs.

In a lengthy letter to Cubs management and players, Smith wrote: “I have seen many Cubs seasons, from the glorious winning days to the challenging moments. It’s not just the results on the scoreboard that matter, it’s how you play, how you stand together, and how you defend the pride of the team. Always remember that the Cubs are a family, and every person on the field is an integral part of it.”
This message quickly became the focus of the sports press, because it not only reminded about performance or achievements, but also deeply penetrated the culture and spirit of the team – values that Smith lived his entire legendary career. He emphasized that the spirit of solidarity, trust in teammates and resilience in defeat are the factors that help the Cubs always maintain the reputation and affection of fans.

Smith, who was a legendary closer with 478 saves in his MLB career, will always be remembered not only for his impressive statistics, but also for his fighting spirit, responsibility and leadership in the locker room. His message at the end of the 2025 season is like a spiritual legacy, reminding the players that wearing the Cubs jersey is not just about playing, but also about the responsibility to preserve tradition, pride and loyalty to the team.
In the message, Smith also wrote: “Young players are the future of the team. Learn from the past, keep your fighting spirit, and never forget that every game is an opportunity to prove your worth. Difficult moments will come, but it is how you face them that makes you and your team great.”
In addition to the professional aspect, Smith also emphasized human values: dedication to the community, the spirit of sharing and gratitude to the fans. These are messages that he has always pursued throughout his career and wants the new generation of players to understand the importance of contributing and preserving the Cubs legacy.
The unexpected message from Lee Smith at the end of the 2025 season is not only a personal message, but also a guiding principle for the Cubs in the coming seasons. It reminds that greatness is not only measured by winning, but by spirit, unity and loyalty to the team.
With this message, Lee Smith once again affirmed that even though he has long left the field, he is still an indispensable part of the Chicago Cubs, continuing to inspire and remind everyone of the eternal values that the team represents.
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