Cub's Former Slugger Gets Standing Ovation in Wrigley Return

Chicago Cubs fans gave one of their former sluggers a standing ovation in his first game back at Wrigley Field with his new the Colorado Rockies.

The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of playing their worst baseball at the worst time of year. They once looked like they would coast into the playoffs as they held a comfortable lead in the National League Wild Card standings.

That's no longer the case.

After their home loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, the Cubs are now outside of the playoff picture, on the wrong end of the tiebreaker between themselves and the Miami Marlins.

Chicago now hosts their final home series of the season against the Colorado Rockies.

In the visitor dugout is a familiar face who helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Kris Bryant made his return to Wrigley Field in an opposing jersey for the second time since being traded away to the San Francisco Giants in 2021. Chicago fans gave him a standing ovation when he first returned as a member of the Giants.

They gave him another one on Friday.

Kris Bryant will always get a standing ovation at Wrigley! pic.twitter.com/S3W8OHGGZW

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 22, 2023

Bryant is infamous for throwing the final out of the World Series to first base as the Cubs completed their comeback from a 3-games-to-1 deficit to win the franchise's first championship in 108 years.

The third baseman also won the NL MVP that year, becoming the first player ever to win the Golden Spikes Award, a Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award, Rookie of the Year and MVP in successive seasons.

After being traded to San Francisco at the trade deadline in 2021, Chicago's former slugger signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies in 2022.

Bryant will always receive love when he comes back to Wrigley Field as Cubs fans everywhere remember the major role he played in ending their World Series drought.