Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines Again in NL All-Star Selection

Pete Crow-Armstrong, center fielder for the Chicago Cubs, has been named to the National League All-Star team once more. This marks the second consecutive season he has earned this recognition as a reserve. The announcement was made on Saturday before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

Manager Craig Counsell expressed his admiration for the player, highlighting Crow-Armstrong’s appeal as a role model for young fans. Counsell noted how he excels in every aspect of the game and connects with the audience due to his relatable stature and entertaining style.

The great players are the ones that get the attention, Counsell remarked, illustrating the influence of star players on youth games.

The All-Star nod comes on the heels of Crow-Armstrong winning the NL Player of the Month for the first time. In June, he achieved impressive statistics with a .381 batting average, 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, and eight stolen bases across 26 games. He also recorded a .781 slugging percentage and a .468 on-base percentage. He became the 15th Cubs player to receive this honor since Cody Bellinger in July 2023.

Crow-Armstrong, 24, made history with his June performance, becoming only the third player to achieve a calendar month featuring at least a .375 average, .775 slugging percentage, 80 total bases, 10 home runs, five steals, and 15 walks. He now stands alongside legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Despite nearly advancing to the final phase of fan voting for All-Star Game starters, Crow-Armstrong significantly increased his vote totals in the last days, finishing 10th among National League outfielders with over a million votes.

He boasts a 5.2 fWAR, leading MLB hitters, with Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals following at 4.6. Last season, Crow-Armstrong achieved 37 doubles, 31 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases, cementing his status as a fan favorite. Fans regularly cheer with chants of “P-C-A,” underscoring his impact on the field.

Manager Counsell emphasized the importance of players gaining experience in pressure-filled situations. Crow-Armstrong has demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion, contributing to key moments for the team.

The 96th annual All-Star Game will occur on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Wrigley Field will host next year’s game for the first time since 1990.

Andy Martinez, a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune, contributed to this article.