Pete Crow-Armstrong: A Rising Star in Chicago’s Sports Scene
On this Christmas Eve, it’s undeniable that Caleb Williams stands as the standout sports figure in Chicago, capturing the city’s attention with his remarkable skills and dynamic performances. His stunning victory over the Packers in overtime last Saturday not only thrilled fans but also marked a pivotal moment in his early career—one that will likely be remembered for years to come.
However, prior to the Bears’ resurgence and Caleb's ascent, Pete Crow-Armstrong was quickly becoming a prominent name in the city’s sports culture. While there may have been other contenders, it’s essential to acknowledge how impressive PCA's breakout performance was during the first half of the season and the stardom he was on the verge of achieving.
PCA, known for his vibrant blue hair and relentless energy, has always had the charisma to engage fans. Yet, this year, he coupled that personality with exceptional statistics: by July 10, he had hit 25 home runs and stolen 27 bases, placing him among baseball's elite players.
Here’s how the Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leaders looked through that date:
- Aaron Judge: 6.8 WAR
- Cal Raleigh: 5.9 WAR
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: 4.7 WAR
- Bobby Witt Jr.: 4.6 WAR
- Shohei Ohtani: 4.1 WAR
In this list, PCA stood out among big names like the 2025 AL MVP Aaron Judge, All-Star Bobby Witt Jr., and Shohei Ohtani, the NL MVP that same year. Regardless of the type of player you admire, PCA seemed to do it all—showcasing elite defensive skills, hitting home runs, stealing bases, and more (although he could use some improvement on drawing walks). He was a living highlight reel, making his debut with the Cubs at just 23 years old while embracing the spirit of Chicago. Back in early July, he was riding high on success.
Even though his performance tapered off in the latter half of the season, PCA still made history by becoming the Cubs' first—and only second—player to reach the coveted 30-30 milestone since Sammy Sosa. He finished his season ranked among the top ten in MVP voting and represented the Cubs admirably at the All-Star Game, where he earned accolades for his outstanding defensive skills in center field.
I mention all this because PCA continues to be a vibrant presence in Chicago this winter, engaging in community activities, supporting local sports teams, and even hanging out with fellow superstar Caleb Williams—all while giving back to the community. If you’re active on social media, it’s hard to miss his infectious energy, which undoubtedly brings a smile to your face.
Just ten days ago, he was leading the crowd in a chant of "LET'S GO BEARS!" at Soldier Field, showcasing his enthusiasm for the team:
He also received shoutouts from the official Bears account, further solidifying his connection with the team and the city:
Three days later, he was spotted at a Bulls game, once again capturing fans' hearts:
And shortly after that, he returned to Soldier Field for the Bears-Packers matchup:
The day after, he teamed up with Caleb Williams and Cole Bennett to distribute food to families in Chicago during the holiday season, truly embodying the spirit of giving:
Just last night, he attended a Blackhawks game alongside fellow Cubs player Ian Happ:
In just ten days, PCA has been a part of two Bears games, a Bulls game, a Blackhawks game, and a charitable event, showing how to rise to superstardom in this city.
While performance on the field is crucial, it’s clear that Chicagoans have a special affection for athletes who genuinely love their city. We appreciate when Chicago feels both grand and intimate, familiar yet important—much like the beloved films of John Hughes or the enjoyment of deep-dish pizza. We revel in seeing stars from different teams support one another, fostering a sense of unity among us.
So let me take a moment to applaud PCA. You’re making all the right moves and representing our city and our beloved Cubs with pride. You’re undoubtedly a superstar in the making, and you’re doing it all in the best possible way.
