Cubs’ Heyward opens dialogue
OF invites teammates to discuss Black Lives Matter
The Chicago Cubs held their second day of summer training — and first intrasquad game — Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Here are three takeaways from Cubs camp:
1. Jason Heyward is inviting questions from teammates about the Black Lives Matter movement.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy’s coronavirus experience isn’t the only thing up for discussion at Cubs camp.Outfielder Jason Heyward invited teammates during Friday’s team meeting to reach out about the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I’m not doing this for attention,” Heyward said Saturday during a conference call.
Heyward said he will continue to “try to be a voice” and bring positivity to his message in the wake of protests against police brutality against Black people.
“I’ve seen other athletes showing up and putting their lives on the line at peaceful protests,” Heyward said.
Heyward believes baseball’s role in the BLM movement starts with Black players such as himself “speaking up, speaking the truth, speaking with knowledge.”
“We’re here for equality,” Heyward said. “We’re not here saying we’re perfect. Everyone has their struggles and differences.
“We’re here to speak up.” 2. Jason Heyward reaches out to Freddie Freeman after the Atlanta Braves first baseman tests positive for COVID-19.
Heyward reached out to former Braves teammate Freddie Freeman, who tested positive for the coronavirus.
“We‘ve got a lot of memories, a lot of time (together),” said Heyward, who played with Freeman from 2010-14.
Heyward added that he’s aware that Freeman’s grandfather and father are plagued by health issues.
“It definitely hits closer to home,” Heyward said.
“Like Tommy Hottovy said, it’s serious and real. Of course, when it comes to athletes and coaches, they’re younger and in great shape. But it takes a toll on family and those older.”
3. Saturday’ s intra squad game provides a sneak peek at potential 1-2 starters.
Manager David Ross said the sculpting of his rotation would depend on the starters who are most advanced in their throwing.
If Saturday’s 2 1⁄2-inning intrasquad game is any indication, Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish are lined up to pitch the first two games.
Hendricks scattered five hits in three innings, while Darvish allowed a double to Javier Baez and struck out four in two innings.
Hendricks said he and several players stayed in pitching shape in Arizona during the shutdown and took advantage of the fields available.
“For the most part, we are locked in and ready to go,” Hendricks said. “It’s really fun to get hitters in there and get that feel of baseball back.”