In the heart of the Windy City, a young phenom has emerged, captivating fans with his electrifying play and fiery persona.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs’ 23-year-old center fielder, has quickly become one of baseball’s most exciting talents and biggest critics of himself.
The Hulk of Wrigley: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Fiery Passion
In his second full major league season in 2025, Crow-Armstrong blossomed into a superstar, becoming the second-youngest Cub ever to start an All-Star Game.
He displayed elite defense with a record 19 five-star catches and combined it with 31 home runs and 30 stolen bases, joining Sammy Sosa as the only Cubs with 30-30 seasons.
I was on the cusp of it for so long, but it never happened. And the emotions and anger tired me out. “Pete Crow-Armstrong” Crow-Armstrong reflected on his frustrating second half, where he hit just 6 home runs after mashing 25 in the first half.
His emotional outbursts, including helmet throws and bat tosses that drew mockery on TikTok, stem from his ferocious competitiveness and desire to never let his teammates down.
From Hollywood to the Ivy League: Crow-Armstrong’s Unconventional Path
Crow-Armstrong is a unique character, arriving at 2025 spring training with bleached blond hair with blue stars and often dressing in high-end, fashionable outfits.
He grew up in Sherman Oaks, California, the son of actor parents who introduced him to music from Bob Dylan to the Beastie Boys.
A star at Harvard-Westlake High School, he was drafted 19th overall by the Mets in 2020 before being traded to the Cubs in 2021. Despite his Hollywood upbringing, Crow-Armstrong’s passion for baseball burned bright, fueling his meteoric rise through the minor leagues.
Chasing the Dream: Crow-Armstrong’s Meteoric Rise Through the Minors
In the minors, Crow-Armstrong built a reputation as a hard-working, highlight-reel outfielder.
He made his MLB debut in 2023 but struggled before breaking out in 2024. An August 2024 incident in Triple-A, where he homered after being thrown at, foreshadowed his intensity at the big league level.
Cubs coaches now aim to help Crow-Armstrong achieve greater emotional balance through breathing exercises and leaning on veteran teammates like Jason Heyward, who experienced similar struggles early in his career.
Embracing the Friendly Confines: Crow-Armstrong’s Love for Chicago
Off the field, the fashionable Crow-Armstrong has embraced Chicago, attending games of other local teams like the Bulls and Blackhawks, and participating in community events.
He wants to stay long-term with the Cubs, who control him through 2030, saying “league minimum ain’t too fucking bad” as he aims for a “fair” extension that doesn’t disrupt the market for other young stars. His ultimate goal is to win a World Series and experience the playoff atmosphere at Wrigley Field that he witnessed as a 14-year-old fan in 2016.
Balancing Intensity: Helping the ‘Hulk’ Find His Zen
Cubs coaches describe Crow-Armstrong as “the Hulk” for his struggle to control his emotions on the field versus his intelligent, introspective demeanor off it.
While his intensity drives his success, it can also be a double-edged sword, leading to mental fatigue and slumps like his disappointing second half of 2025.
The Cubs are working to help Crow-Armstrong channel his passion more constructively, using techniques like meditation and self-reflection to maintain his fiery competitive edge without letting emotions boil over.
What Fans Are Saying About Pete Crow-Armstrong
Fans have taken notice of Pete Crow-Armstrong’s unconventional background and carefree attitude, particularly his Hollywood upbringing and fashionable style.
Many are amused by the contrast between his fiery on-field persona and his privileged upbringing, with one commenter joking that the Cubs outfielder ‘doesn’t need the money’ given his wealthy actor parents.
However, others caution that his comments about seeking a ‘fair’ contract extension could ruffle feathers with the players’ association, as they work to maintain a united front on salary negotiations.