CHICAGO — In the midst of the late-season baseball energy, a heartwarming story has rocked the American sports community. Chicago Cubs young star Pete Crow-Armstrong has donated $500,000 to support the families of the victims of the weekend’s Mormon church attack in Utah — a tragedy that has shaken the nation.
Crow-Armstrong’s move was announced just hours after the Cubs wrapped up their final regular-season series. At a brief press conference at Wrigley Field, the 23-year-old appeared in casual attire, his face stern, a far cry from his usual energetic image on the field.
“This is not about one community,” Crow-Armstrong said. “When tragedy strikes, we can choose to look away — or step forward to help. I chose the latter.”
The $500,000 will go to an emergency fund set up by the Mormon Church and local Utah governments to help with funeral expenses, medical treatment, and temporary housing for families affected by the incident.
Besides the large donation, what touched many people most was the message Crow-Armstrong sent. In a post on his personal account, he wrote:
“It breaks my heart to see other people’s pain become a superficial conversation. Baseball teaches us unity, respect, and sharing — not indifference. If we stop being compassionate, nothing is right anymore.”
The message quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of shares in just a few hours. Many players, coaches, and fans across the United States sent their thanks and admiration for the young player’s mature and humane attitude.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is not only one of the Cubs’ brightest young talents, but is also known for his depth and social responsibility, which is rare for a player his age. In the 2025 season, PCA made great strides, becoming one of the pillars in the outfield and constantly making his mark with his high-class defense.
However, for him, baseball is more than just a stage for competition — it is also a vehicle for creating positive change. Crow-Armstrong has previously participated in many fundraising campaigns for children with cancer and community organizations in Chicago.
Just hours after the donation was announced, the Cubs announced that they would launch a special fundraising campaign next week, calling on fans to join hands to support the families of the Utah victims. MLB is also expected to hold a postseason memorial, as a way to show baseball solidarity.
“Pete showed something simple and powerful: the heart of sports is not about winning titles, but about how we treat each other when the world hurts,” an MLB spokesperson said.
While his teammates celebrated their postseason berths, Pete Crow-Armstrong chose to take time to think about people thousands of miles away who are facing irreparable pain.
It’s more than just a charitable act — it’s a poignant reminder of the responsibility of those in positions of influence, and of the power of connection that sports can bring.
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