This blog post marks the end of an era for the Chicago Cubs: the retirement of long-time pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Over the years, Hendricks built a legacy defined by his intelligence, pinpoint control, and calm presence on the mound.
He never needed blazing fastballs to succeed. Instead, he relied on smarts, consistency, and a knack for shining brightest when it mattered most—especially during those unforgettable postseason runs. Hendricks, now 35, spent 12 seasons in the majors, 11 of them with the Cubs, and played a huge role in the team’s historic 2016 World Series win.
Kyle Hendricks: A Career Built on Precision and Poise
In a league obsessed with velocity, Kyle Hendricks carved out a unique niche with his changeup-sinker mix. Over 11 seasons in Chicago, he racked up a 97–57 record and a 3.68 ERA.
He controlled the strike zone and constantly messed with hitters’ timing. That made him one of the most dependable starters of his generation.
Hendricks truly peaked in 2016, leading the National League with a 2.13 ERA. That was the year the Cubs finally broke their 108-year championship drought.
He didn’t just tag along for the ride—he anchored the rotation in October, outdueling Clayton Kershaw in the NLCS clincher and starting Game 7 of the World Series. That’s the kind of stuff that sticks with fans.
The Professor’s Path to the Majors
Hendricks’ road to the majors began when the Texas Rangers selected him in the 2011 MLB Draft. Just a year later, he landed with the Cubs in a trade that ended up shaping the team’s future.
He debuted in 2014 and immediately showed flashes of what was to come: 13 starts, a 2.46 ERA, and that calm, thoughtful approach that earned him the nickname “The Professor.”
The name fit, considering he’s a Dartmouth grad. It reflected both his academic chops and his chess-like style on the mound.
The Final Chapter
After more than a decade in Chicago, Hendricks spent his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2024, he finished 8–10 with a 4.76 ERA, sticking to his strengths until the end.
His last Wrigley Field start felt almost poetic—7⅓ shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds, followed by a curtain call from the crowd. That moment kind of summed up his relationship with the city and the fans, didn’t it?
Respect from Teammates and Legacy in Chicago
Teammate Ian Happ once called him “the embodiment of what it means to be a Chicago Cub.” Hendricks’ impact went way beyond the stats.
He inspired younger pitchers, set the tone for professionalism, and anchored the rotation for more than ten years.
- NL ERA Champion in 2016 (2.13)
- World Series Champion in 2016
- Career Cubs record: 97–57
- Lifetime ERA: 3.68
- Known for elite changeup-sinker combination
Life After Baseball
Unlike a lot of retiring players, Hendricks doesn’t plan to jump straight into coaching or a front-office job. For now, he just wants to spend time with his family and step away on his own terms.
Sure, his absence leaves a hole in the Cubs’ clubhouse. But his influence isn’t going anywhere—teammates and fans will remember his steady, unflashy presence for a long time.
Why Hendricks’ Career Stands Out
Hendricks’ career really shows how mental skills and execution can rival raw athletic power in baseball. He never threw the hardest, but he thrived through location, movement, and a knack for deception.
This approach helped him stay consistent year after year. He excelled under postseason pressure—honestly, that’s the mark of a true professional.
Baseball historians will remember Hendricks’ tenure not just as part of the Cubs’ renaissance. He’s also proof there’s more than one way to dominate on the mound.
His role in Chicago’s 2016 title is forever etched in team lore. When the Cubs needed him in big games, he showed up—he was a cornerstone of that era.
Kyle Hendricks leaves MLB with respect from every corner of the game. His stats tell one story, but his quiet leadership and steady poise might tell an even greater one.
For Cubs fans, “The Professor” was more than a pitcher. He was a crucial part of the team’s chapter in baseball history.
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs mainstay Hendricks retiring after 12 years
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