CHICAGO — Throughout the 2025 season, Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has frequently visited manager Craig Counsell’s office, relying on their strong rapport to navigate challenging moments. Their conversations range from baseball strategy to life advice, providing Crow-Armstrong with a valuable support system during a difficult stretch this August.
Before the Cubs’ series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Crow-Armstrong expressed the significance of Counsell’s mentorship, saying,
“He’s got a lot to provide for a guy like me and he’s shown the most support in me than just about anyone in the baseball world,”
and added,
“I go see him all the time because I know he’s got my back and my best interest in mind.”
Shifting Focus from Results to Process
Despite the pressures of professional baseball, Counsell has emphasized the importance of concentrating on growth rather than immediate outcomes. He explained,
“This is a results business, we understand that. I think for us to focus on results is harmful, and so you focus on things that contribute to us being good.”
This perspective guides how he interacts with Crow-Armstrong, helping the young player focus on his development instead of the scoreboard alone.
Life Lessons Amid a Challenging Performance Slump
During a particularly tough stretch in early August, when Crow-Armstrong was batting just .073 in a 3-for-41 slump, Counsell approached him with a simple but probing question before a day off:
“I asked him this yesterday – and then kind of avoided him for the rest of the day – what did you learn this week?”
Crow-Armstrong’s response required reflection on a rare extended lull during a season that had otherwise showcased his talents.
Counsell views these moments as opportunities for growth not only on the field but off it, describing their conversations as
“kind of just life talks more than anything”
and adding,
“They’re kind of about baseball, but more about life, [is] the best way to say it. I think, offering just perspective, and some understanding about what’s going on in everybody’s journey in life and helping where you can.”
Managing Pressure and Maintaining Confidence
During a recent series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, Crow-Armstrong demonstrated the mental and physical challenges he faces during a slump. After singling in the fourth inning with the Cubs trailing by two, he attempted to steal second base. The Cardinals’ pitcher, Sonny Gray, quickly picked him off, halting the Cubs’ momentum. This moment underscored the mounting pressure Crow-Armstrong felt to contribute despite his struggles.
Reflecting on the experience, Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the self-imposed weight of expectation, stating,
“There becomes this self-inflicted pressure when you feel like you’re not playing your part and contributing … still a lot of time to begin to produce again.”
He continued,
“So when stuff starts to pile up like that, it sucked, but it’s also baseball and I still have however many weeks left in the season and it’s still a lot of time to begin to produce again. But I mean it’s just wanting to go out there every day and treat every day like you have a chance to do something new.”
Growth Through Adversity and Looking Ahead
Receiving time off during the team’s Thursday break allowed Crow-Armstrong to reset, reinforcing the lesson to avoid pressing too hard during struggles. Counsell observed,
“I think he learned that this week. I think that’s one of the things he’s learning this week. And those are great lessons to learn.”
He added,
“And it’s part of being a better player and being a better version of yourself. That’s what’s happening right now.”
These insights bode well for Crow-Armstrong’s continued development as he adjusts to the realities of a major league career filled with both highs and lows.