Before Pete Crow-Armstrong became a key player in the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 lineup, his baseball journey began in a simple Southern California backyard. His early love for baseball was sparked when his parents gifted him a baseball tee for his second birthday, setting the foundation for his passion and skills.

Growing up, Pete’s dedication was evident as he practiced daily, developing instincts that would later challenge major league hitters. His mother, Ashley Crow, recalls his relentless energy saying that he was “always in motion” and “completely game for anything,” highlighting his love for baseball from as young as three years old.

Early Foundations Shaping a Unique Player

Those who witnessed Pete’s childhood progression say it was never surprising to see his success unfold. Even before toddlers were mastering language, Pete was practicing hitting with plastic balls in the backyard. The standard T-ball set was soon replaced as he advanced quickly, mastering the game well before his peers even learned the basic rules.

Reflecting on his youth, Pete shared,

“Everyone expects this Hollywood answer to this question, Nah, I was outside every day playing ball. Minimal screen time. I went to set once or twice, but other than that I was in the backyard. We had a big backyard.”

This grounded approach to baseball shaped not only his skills but also his character, reflecting a pure love for the sport rather than outside distractions.

The Transition to Chicago Cubs and Breakout Performance

After being traded from the New York Mets while still recovering from an injury, Crow-Armstrong capitalized on his opportunity with the Chicago Cubs. His start to the 2025 season was slow, but he quickly gained momentum and emerged as a breakout player for the team. Despite his rise, the essence of the “backyard kid” remains with him, as he continues to warm up with a tee before games because that’s where his passion began.

Harvard-Westlake coach Jared Halpert observed this attitude:

“There’s a little bit of a reserve by them. No one wants to get out there and compete with the high school kids. Nothing to gain. But Pete just doesn’t care about that. He’s out there every day when he comes back here. He’s taking reps and getting after it with these high school kids. He doesn’t care how he looks.”

Passion and Energy Lift Cubs in 2025 Season

Crow-Armstrong’s devotion to baseball goes beyond business; it embodies the spirit of a kid truly in love with the game. As one observer noted,

“When you talk about little kids playing baseball, this is the epitome of that. It’s a business, but this kid is in love with the game. That’s what he’s showing everybody right now.”

His enthusiasm has not only elevated his own performance but has also invigorated the Cubs clubhouse throughout the 2025 campaign. Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised his play by stating,

“He’s playing at as high a level that I’ve seen a center fielder play. We’re 70 games in but how he’s playing it, it’s as good as I’ve seen.”

What Lies Ahead for Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs

As Crow-Armstrong’s star continues to rise in the major leagues, his story resonates far beyond statistics and highlight reels. He represents the journey of a player whose identity was shaped in a backyard, where baseball was more than a game – it was a way of life. His years of dedication and passion forecast a promising future as one of baseball’s most exciting talents in the years to come.