BREAKING: Longtime Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks is officially retiring after an impressive 12-year career in Major League Baseball. The announcement comes after a season with the Los Angeles Angels, where he recorded an 8-10 record with a 4.76 ERA.
Hendricks, aged 35, is celebrated for his remarkable achievements, including winning the ERA title in 2016 during a historic season that culminated in the Cubs’ first World Series championship in 108 years. His career with the Cubs spanned 11 years, where he won 97 games and maintained a 3.68 ERA.
Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011, he was acquired by the Cubs the following year, making his MLB debut in 2014. Hendricks made an immediate impact, boasting a stellar 2.46 ERA in his rookie season. In 2016, he recorded a remarkable 16-8 record with a league-leading 2.13 ERA and delivered a legendary performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. His 7 1/3 shutout innings in Game 6 secured the pennant for the Cubs.
In a poignant farewell at Wrigley Field at the end of the 2024 season, Hendricks received an emotional curtain call after his final start against the Cincinnati Reds. His teammate, Ian Happ, praised him, stating, “He’s a perfect example of what it means to be a Chicago Cub. Not only what he’s done on the field but who he is as a person.”
Known as “The Professor,” Hendricks was revered not just for his pitching skills but also for his mentorship of younger players, combining a mastery of his craft with a laid-back demeanor. Despite his retirement, he has no immediate plans for coaching or front office roles, choosing instead to spend quality time with family.
This news marks the end of an era for the Cubs and their fans, who remember Hendricks as a key figure in the team’s recent history. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts and the city of Chicago.
As fans and players reflect on Hendricks’ contributions, the baseball community eagerly anticipates how this iconic player will be remembered in the annals of MLB history.
