Pete Crow-Armstrong has achieved All-Star status once more. The Chicago Cubs center fielder has been named to the National League All-Star team as a reserve, marking his second consecutive appearance at the Midsummer Classic.
Before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, manager Craig Counsell expressed his admiration for Crow-Armstrong, stating, “The great players are the ones who capture attention. Kids watch these stars and emulate them, colors and all. Pete stands out because he excels in every aspect of the game, connecting with fans because he’s relatable and entertaining. He thrives in the spotlight.”
Recently, Crow-Armstrong was named NL Player of the Month, a first in his career, following a stellar performance that ranks among the best in Cubs’ history. He posted a .381 batting average, with 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, and an impressive .781 slugging percentage over 26 games. His on-base percentage reached .468, and he added eight stolen bases. He’s the first Cubs player since Cody Bellinger in July 2023 to earn this title, marking the 15th time overall for the team.
Crow-Armstrong’s achievements are historic, as he’s now one of only three players in MLB history to record a calendar month with at least a .375 average, .775 slugging percentage, and 80 total bases, along with 10 home runs, five steals, and 15 walks. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig are the only other players to accomplish this feat.
Although Crow-Armstrong narrowly missed being an All-Star Game starter this year, his remarkable June solidified his popularity. He finished 10th among NL outfielders in fan voting, just shy of advancing further.
The fWAR metric places him at the top of all MLB hitters with a score of 5.2, outpacing Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who is next at 4.6. Along with Witt, they are the only two position players exceeding a 4.0 fWAR.
Last season, Crow-Armstrong emerged as a fan favorite, supported by his impressive statistics of 37 doubles, 31 home runs, and a 5.9 fWAR. He handled pressure adeptly, with fans chanting “P-C-A” at crucial moments.
Counsell noted the importance of handling pressure, explaining, “In high-stakes situations, players need to be prepared. For Pete, if the crowd’s chanting his name, it’s just heightened. Experience and practice in these moments are crucial for growth.”
The 96th All-Star Game will unfold on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Next year’s event is scheduled at Wrigley Field, marking its return for the first time since 1990, making it the fourth time overall.
Chicago Tribune freelance reporter Andy Martinez contributed to this article.
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