The Rise of Pete Crow-Armstrong: A Baseball Phenomenon in Chicago
By Jesse Rogers
Published: June 19, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
Chicago, IL – Reflecting on his son’s journey in athletics, Matt Armstrong recalls a cherished memory—not on the diamond, but on the gridiron. When Pete Crow-Armstrong was just 7 years old, Matt coached his flag football team in Southern California. He had a noteworthy assistant: Gabe Kapler, a former major leaguer whose son also played on the team.
One day after practice, Kapler tossed a football to the kids. "There was this moment when Pete ran a crossing route," Matt reminisced. "He caught the ball and shot down the field. Gabe turned to me and said, ‘You do realize that’s quite exceptional, right?’"
Fast forward to 2025, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, now 23, continues to astound. As a key player for the Chicago Cubs, he’s batting amidst one of the strongest lineups in Major League Baseball. His remarkable performance includes 23 stolen bases—ranking third in the league—and 19 home runs, showcasing power beyond his 6-foot, 184-pound frame. Notably, he thrilled the crowd recently with a spectacular diving catch and a blistering hit off Wrigley Field’s scoreboard, igniting chants of "M-V-P! M-V-P!" from 38,000 fans.
His vibrant personality resonates deeply with a Chicago fan base eager for a superstar. Crow-Armstrong leads the National League outfield in All-Star votes, ranking fourth overall among all players, just behind Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. His uncanny ability to connect with both young Cubs enthusiasts and veteran fans adds to his magnetic appeal.
Teammate Dansby Swanson praises him: "He’s incredibly genuine, energetic, and an absolute delight with kids. His enthusiasm is infectious."
A Lifelong Passion for Baseball
Those who have known Crow-Armstrong for years can confirm one thing—he has always been this vibrant. "He’s always in motion," his mother, Ashley Crow, noted. "He’s been enamored with baseball since he was three."
His love for the sport was evident early. A T-ball set received for his second birthday was quickly outgrown; he soon preferred live pitching. "Within a week, he was done with the tee," Matt recalled.
During his childhood, Crow-Armstrong joined the Sherman Oaks Little League, alongside future stars like Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty, who even umpired some of his games. "He’s always been a good kid," Flaherty reflected.
Following his starlit youth filled with baseball games and backyard adventures, he moved on to Harvard-Westlake High School, where he followed in the footsteps of other notable alumni, including New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried.
Cubs’ Hidden Gem Unveiled
Looking back, Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, considers himself fortunate. A shoulder injury and the COVID-19 pandemic may have paved the way for Crow-Armstrong’s current role as the Cubs’ center fielder instead of being a member of the New York Mets. Originally drafted 19th overall by the Mets in 2020, Crow-Armstrong faced challenges early in his career, enduring a serious shoulder injury that sidelined him for six crucial games during his rookie season.
Recovering during that time allowed him to focus on his training, and ultimately, he was traded to the Cubs, leading to a triumphant rise through the ranks in Chicago. Hoyer admitted, "We were lucky he was injured and not under the spotlight."
Crow-Armstrong’s performance since then has only intensified, with impressive statistics including 20 home runs and 37 stolen bases, showcasing an exceptional combination of speed and power that’s rare in today’s game.
A Star in the Making
This season, Crow-Armstrong has truly blossomed. Since mid-April, his OPS has soared to .959, resulting in him climbing up batting orders and producing clutch hits. He leads the league in several categories, including home runs with runners in scoring position.
His defense has also earned recognition. Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently stated, "He’s playing at a level I’ve rarely seen from a center fielder."
Experienced players have taken notice too. Veteran teammate Justin Turner remarked on Crow-Armstrong’s unique ability to hit off-pitch strikes. “He can hit just about anything,” Turner observed, indicating that Crow-Armstrong doesn’t conform to a typical batting profile, making him endlessly intriguing to both fans and foils alike.
The Future of MLB
Crow-Armstrong’s burgeoning popularity transcends the baseball field. His jersey sales at Wrigley Field reflect the fandom driving his rise, and he’s become a social media sensation, ranking highly among players in terms of follower growth on platforms like Instagram.
EJ Aguado, MLB vice president of player engagement, highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s potential, saying, "We’re thrilled about PCA both on and off the field. His personality and performance resonate with fans."
Throughout it all, Crow-Armstrong remains grounded, dedicating time to interact with young fans and teammates. As he puts it, "I’m here for the kids. I still have that childlike passion for the game."
As he steps onto the field day by day, the unmistakable energy he brings is a reminder of what makes baseball beloved—his youthfulness, skill, and love of the game.
For Crow-Armstrong, Wrigley Field is not just a ballpark; it’s his playground, where his journey continues to inspire the next generation. "I feel so lucky to do this every day," he said. "This is my center field, but it’s also theirs. It was theirs first."