Former Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks is set to start for the Angels on Sunday against his old club, the Cubs, as Anaheim announced on Friday. The news came on a day that Chicago marked memories of Ryne Sandberg with a memorial service at Old St. Patrick’s Church, while Hendricks reflected on his years with the Cubs in Anaheim.
Hendricks, an Orange County native who played 11 seasons in Chicago, has gone 6-8 with a 4.93 ERA for the Angels this season. He spoke warmly about the Cubs and their fans before Friday’s game, highlighting how special it is to play in front of a packed crowd and how those experiences fuel meaningful September races. He noted that his parents even traveled to Cubs games at Wrigley Field this season, underscoring the enduring connections and memories tied to his former team.
The night prior, the Cubs edged the Angels 3-2. Kyle Tucker delivered his first home run since July 19 in the opener’s first inning, and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his first homer since July 23 in the ninth to put Chicago ahead before Daniel Palencia retired the final batter. On the mound for the Cubs, Javier Assad started and worked six innings, yielding two hits and one run on a Yoan Moncada solo homer, with a second Moncada homer tying the game in the seventh, per the game’s notes. Chicago has used six different starters this week due to a doubleheader, but manager Craig Counsell said he does not plan to maintain a six-man rotation.
The day also brought a poignant tribute to Sandberg, who died July 28 at age 65 after a battle with cancer. The gathering featured tributes from longtime baseball figures, including broadcaster Bob Costas, players and executives such as Andre Dawson, Billy Williams, Joe Torre, Ozzie Smith, Jim Thome, Rick Sutcliffe, Shawon Dunston, Gary Matthews, Fergie Jenkins, Kerry Wood and Frank Thomas. Costas recalled Sandberg’s famous 1984 “Ryne Sandberg Game” and praised the Hall of Famer’s humility and his impact on teammates and fans alike.
Sandberg’s family shared stories about his competitive spirit and playful side, and speakers emphasized his humble, team-first approach. The day underscored not only the emotional ties between Hendricks and his former team but also the broad respect Sandberg earned across the sport.
Outlook and added context
– Sunday’s game offers a meaningful reunion as Hendricks faces the Cubs, a storyline that should draw strong fan engagement in Anaheim.
– Hendricks’ comments about the Cubs reflect the lasting bonds players form with their teams, coaches and the city’s baseball culture.
– The Sandberg tribute highlighted the lasting legacy of one of the franchise’s icons and the way baseball communities rally to celebrate legends.
A hopeful angle
The weekend matchup gives Hendricks a chance to showcase how he continues to adapt and compete, while the Cubs honor a storied Chicago era and the broader baseball family remembers a legend who helped shape the game’s culture. The blend of nostalgic reflection and ongoing competition underscores why baseball remains a connective thread for players and fans alike.
Summary
A sentimental weekend unfolds as Kyle Hendricks prepares to return to face his former team, while the Cubs’ memory-filled day for Ryne Sandberg reinforces the deep ties that make baseball more than just a game.
Additional context
– The two-team duel highlights the continuity of relationships in baseball, where career chapters can intersect in surprising, emotional ways. This dynamic often adds extra meaning to matchups in September, as teams push toward the postseason and former stars revisit places tied to their heydays.