Pete Crow-Armstrong Earns All-Star Status Again

Chicago Cubs center fielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong, was named to the National League All-Star team as a reserve on Saturday. This marks his second consecutive selection to play in the prestigious Midsummer Classic. The announcement came ahead of the Cubs’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

“The great players are the ones that get the attention,” said manager Craig Counsell. “If you go to a youth game now, you’re seeing neon colors because the stars are wearing them. Those players become the role models for the game.”

A Diverse Skill Set

Counsell praised Crow-Armstrong’s multifaceted talents. “In Pete’s case, every part of his game is exciting to watch. He’s a pretty normal-sized person who can do extraordinary things, which creates a connection with fans,” said Counsell. Crow-Armstrong has embraced his role as an entertainer, consistently delivering engaging performances that captivate the audience.

Recent Achievements

Crow-Armstrong’s All-Star recognition follows his achievement of winning the NL Player of the Month for June, a milestone in his career. He recorded impressive stats such as a .381 batting average, 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .781 slugging percentage over 26 games. His performance was the best in the team’s history, making him the first Cubs player to win this title since Cody Bellinger in July 2023.

Historical Comparisons

Remarkably, Crow-Armstrong is one of three MLB players to complete a month with at least a .375 average, a .775 slugging rate, 80 total bases, 10 home runs, five steals, and 15 walks. He stands alongside Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in achieving this feat.

Fan Support and Popularity

Despite finishing 10th among NL outfielders in fan voting, Crow-Armstrong nearly advanced to the All-Star Game starting phase. His popularity surged with chants of “P-C-A” from fans, enhancing his role as a key figure in pressure situations.

“Every player needs practice in big situations,” said Counsell. “For Pete, the crowd chanting his name adds to the moment. It’s part of his growth and experience.”

Upcoming Events

The 96th All-Star Game will be held on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia. Next year’s game is expected to take place at Wrigley Field, marking its return after more than three decades.

Chicago Tribune freelance reporter Andy Martinez contributed additional information.