LEADER OF THE PACK
After years of learning from others, Cubs ace Hendricks comfortable with mentoring young pitchers
MESA, Ariz. — When you ask Cubs pitchers, young and old, whom they look up to on the staff, you’ll hear a common name.
Kyle Hendricks.
Whether they’re a soft tosser or approaching triple digits, they look up to Hendricks as a role model and someone to emulate.
Hendricks never has been the center of attention, and that isn’t likely to change, even though he’s the ace of the Cubs’ rotation. But that hasn’t stopped him from finding his voice in a Cubs clubhouse that has changed significantly in terms of vocal leaders since he got to the big leagues in 2014.
Growing into leadership doesn’t happen overnight, and it took time for the 31-yearold right-hander to get comfortable with it.
But with the confidence of his manager and his teammates and a résumé to back it up, Hendricks is embracing his new role.
‘‘I’m more comfortable with myself as a leader,’’ Hendricks told the Sun-Times. ‘‘I think a lot of that has to do with just the organization and the people we have around here. They’ve always instilled confidence in me and told me to be who I am, be the pitcher I’ve always been. They haven’t forced me to be someone I’m not. Every year I’ve come in, it’s been more and more comfortable.’’
The Cubs’ recent rotations have been dominated by pitchers with big personalities, none of whom was afraid to say what was on his mind. Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey and even Jason Hammel not only were productive pitchers, but they were clubhouse leaders, too.
‘‘Those were just big dudes in general,’’ Hendricks said with a laugh. ‘‘When I was behind those guys, it was awesome learning from them, watching how they went about their work day in and day out. I took so much of that and use it in my routine now.’’
Before Arrieta left the Cubs after the 2017