Chicago Cubs Kris Bryant: Baseball’s Next Role Model
By Keaton Moore
Over the course of two seasons, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant has become the face of baseball. Putting aside his awards and World Series title, his character sets him above his peers, serving as an example of greatness for baseball’s youth.
There are good ballplayers, and then there are great ballplayers. While some are currently in the major leagues, others are working around the clock to reach the big stage. In their shoes only three years ago, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant leaves behind a legacy of character for baseball’s next generation to follow.
His incredibly successful career at Bonanza High School caught the attention of professional baseball. Shortly after graduation, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Bryant in the 18th round of the 2010 draft. Faced with a crossroad, he passed up on his first opportunity to reach the majors leagues to attend the University of San Diego. He patiently set aside his dream of becoming a professional ballplayer and wisely gave himself a second option with academics.
First Stop, San Diego
“He was a 4.78 student and was on the WCC All-Academic team during his three years here. Kris did not have a drop of alcohol until the Cubs reached the postseason last year,” said Hill. “He grew up in Las Vegas, yet never placed a bet in a casino.”
Bryant grew and matured as a ballplayer at USD, under the leadership of head coach Rich Hill. Through his three seasons with the Toreros, Bryant batted over .300 with 54 home runs. His collegiate career peaked his junior season, where he led the country with 31 homers and became the Baseball America Player of the Year. On top of winning the West Coast Conference, Bryant received the Golden Spikes and Dick Houser Awards, which is college baseball’s equivalent to the Heisman Trophy.
Regardless of his awards and accomplishments, Hill viewed Bryant’s most valuable strength as a player to be his character. His college coach praised Bryant for his uncanny focus on the field and his goal. Throughout his time at USD, Hill watched Bryant put in consistent and quality effort into every aspect of the team.
According to Hill, Bryant’s character remained unaffected through frustration, especially during his adjustment to college during his first year. Rather than showboating his talent or giving into his dissatisfaction, he used his skill to set an example for the rest of the team. Without a doubt, he was the best player on the Torero’s squad, yet he continued to improve and never carried an attitude of entitlement.
“He was the best player on the team and when the best player on the team is working hard and not throwing his helmet or bat and buying into what the coaches are saying, the others tend to follow that model,” said Hill.
Major League Character
The patience he showed in 2010 paid off as the Chicago Cubs selected him second overall in the 2013 draft. After receiving the 2014 Minor League Player of the Year award, Bryant debuted on April 17, 2015 against his college-town team, the San Diego Padres. Although he went hitless in his debut, he batted .275 with 26 homers and 99 RBIs to unanimously become the 2015 Rookie of the Year.
“Everybody roots for him,” said Hill. “All of that adds up to where America and the world is going to fall in love with Kris Bryant. Not only because of his skill set and talent, but we all love somebody who is humble, respectful and someone who makes an effort to do the right thing.”
He followed up his award-winning season with an even more impressive sophomore season. Bryant earned a starting spot in the All-Star Game and invited Hill to the festivities in San Diego. While they rode the caravan to Petco Park, they passed a woman dressed in Chicago White Sox gear. Without any trace of the bitter Cubs-White Sox rivalry, the woman began passionately cheering for Bryant.
His selflessness towards where he played on the diamond helped the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series appearance since 1945. En route to the postseason, Bryant made 104 appearances at third base, 64 in the outfield and eight first base. On a number of occasions, he made in-game position changes without complaint.
By the end of the season, he improved his number of home runs, RBIs, runs and batting average to receive the National League MVP award. From there, he helped bring Chicago their first World Series championship in over 100 years.
Behind the Scenes
“When you look at Wikipedia, there’s a phrase ‘too good to be true’ and that’s him,” said Hill.
Bryant is the kind of baseball players whose character and talent can be talked about without end. Yet, it is the man that he is off the field that makes the ballplayer on the field. Whether in the dugout or at home, Bryant surrounds himself with a community of like-minded people with his best interest in mind.
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He is a ballplayer with every reason for an ego, yet shies away from the spotlight. At the end of the day, Bryant lives for the game, not the fame. With characteristics, such as humility, focus and temperament, Bryant encapsulates the image of the ideal professional baseball player.