In a moment that brought tears and cheers to the eyes of the Chicago Cubs Nation, Shawon Dunston – the iconic shortstop legend of the Cubs in the 1980s and 1990s – officially returned to the organization as a special advisor and coaching assistant. The news was officially announced by the Cubs today, marking an emotional reunion after more than two decades apart, and especially after Dunston’s tenacious battle against a serious illness he had silently faced.
Shawon Dunston – born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York – is one of the greatest shortstops in Cubs history. Drafted in 1982 with the No. 1 overall pick, he played for the Cubs from 1985 to 1995 and 1996–1997 (a total of 12 seasons), leaving his mark with his strength, speed, and unwavering fighting spirit. Dunston was an All-Star in 1990, led the National Series in triples in 1988 and 1990, achieved 237 career home runs (the 5th highest in Cubs history), and was a cornerstone during the Cubs’ consecutive postseason runs (1984, 1989). Wrigley Field fans will forever remember him charging onto the court at breakneck speed, throwing the ball like lightning, and his radiant smile after each save.
But Dunston’s life wasn’t all glory. In 2006, after retiring, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer – a disease that required him to undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for an extended period. During those most difficult years, Dunston kept it private, sharing only with family and a few close friends. “I don’t want anyone’s pity. I want to fight the way I fought on the field,” he said in a rare 2015 interview. He overcame illness, returned as a broadcaster for Cubs Radio, and participated in charity events, but always kept his distance from official roles within the organization.
Until today.
The Cubs announced Dunston will return as a special advisor, focusing on developing young players (especially infield and base running), mentoring young shortstops like Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, and supporting coach Craig Counsell in building team culture. “Shawon is not just a former player – he is an icon of the Cubs spirit,” GM Jed Hoyer stated. “His strength, resilience, and love of baseball are what we need to bring the team back to the top.”
Dunston’s moment walking into Wrigley Field today became one of the most moving images of the season. He wore his familiar Cubs number 24 jersey, walked onto the field with a radiant smile, and embraced the young players. “I feel like I’m home,” Dunston said, his voice choked with emotion. “Wrigley isn’t just a baseball field – it’s family. After everything I’ve been through, to be back here, to help these young lads dream the dreams I once dreamed, that’s the greatest gift.”
Cubs fans were overwhelmed with emotion on social media. Thousands posted old photos of Dunston with his nickname “Spiderman” (for his defensive abilities), along with the hashtags #WelcomeBackShawon and #CubsFamily. One fan wrote: “From the days Kingdome shook to today, Shawon remains our heart.” At Wrigley, fans spontaneously brought flowers, number 24 jerseys, and signs that read “We Never Forgot You.”
Dunston’s journey is a story of resilience. From the Brooklyn boy drafted number one, to an All-Star, to a cancer battler, and now the spiritual father of a new generation of Cubs. He shared: “Illness taught me that life isn’t always fair, but the love of baseball and the love of family are always fair. The Cubs are my family. I left, but my heart never left.”
Shawon Dunston’s return is not just a personnel addition – it’s the return of a part of the Cubs’ soul. At 63, after more than two decades away and a battle with illness, he has completed the cycle: from an ambitious boy to a father guiding future generations. Wrigley Field today not only resounds with cheers – but also with applause of gratitude for a legend who overcame it all to return home.
Shawon Dunston – not just a shortstop, but a symbol of hope, perseverance, and an undying love for the Chicago Cubs.
Welcome home, Shawon. Wrigley has been waiting for you for a long time.
