Just days before the official start of the 2026 MLB season, Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong experienced an emotional moment behind the scenes – a moment that didn’t happen on the court, but could hold great significance for his upcoming season.

The 23-year-old Cubs center fielder revealed that he unexpectedly received a text message from his mother the night before the final preparations for Opening Day, a simple message that made him think deeply about the journey that has brought him to where he is today.

“My mom texted, ‘You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Just go out there and play basketball like the boy you used to love the sport.’” Crow-Armstrong shared.

“I’ve actually reread that message many times.”

For Pete Crow-Armstrong, the 2026 season could be the most important season of his career so far.

After being promoted to the MLB by the Chicago Cubs and gradually establishing himself in the lineup, the player born in 2002 is entering a year where many experts believe he could become one of the team’s centers in the future.

Crow-Armstrong is known as one of the best defensive center fielders of the younger generation in MLB. His speed, wide range of movement, and extremely quick ball reading ability make him a reliable “shield” on the Cubs’ outfield.

But along with the growing expectations comes considerable pressure.

The Chicago Cubs are rebuilding their roster to return to the playoff race, and young players like Crow-Armstrong are seen as pillars of the new era at Wrigley Field.

Amidst all that expectation, a message from Crow-Armstrong’s mother arrived at a very special time.

“She said that no matter how the season goes, she’s still proud of me. She reminded me that baseball should first and foremost be fun.” Crow-Armstrong recounted.

It wasn’t a long speech. Not tactical advice.

Just a simple reminder – but one that struck the right chord with a young player preparing for the big season.

Crow-Armstrong said he smiled when he read the message.

“You know, sometimes you get caught up in all the stuff around you – statistics, expectations, pressure. But then family reminds you why you started baseball in the first round.”

Pete Crow-Armstrong was born in Los Angeles and was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in a notable deal.

Even in the Minor League, he was considered one of the best defensive prospects in American baseball.

Crow-Armstrong’s greatest strength is his defensive ability. Many scouts believe he could become a future Gold Glove center fielder.

Additionally, his speed is a formidable weapon on the basepaths.

Upon being called up to MLB, Crow-Armstrong quickly became one of the most beloved young players among Cubs fans.

The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 season with a clear goal: to return to the National League playoff race.

To achieve that, the team needed a mix of veterans and a new generation of young players.

Crow-Armstrong was among the players expected to bring new energy to the roster.

Coach Craig Counsell once said that what made Crow-Armstrong special wasn’t just his skill, but also his tireless fighting spirit.

“He plays with a very rare energy,” Counsell said. “Players like that can change the atmosphere of the whole team.”

With Opening Day fast approaching, Crow-Armstrong says he feels both excited and nervous.

But a message from his mother helped him keep things simple.

“She’s always the one who keeps me calm,” he said.

“She reminds me that I’ve been playing baseball since I was a kid, and most importantly, that I still love the sport.”

For a young player, words like that can mean a lot.

In the world of professional sports, where everything is often measured by statistics and achievements, moments like these sometimes remind people that behind every player is still a normal human being.

Crow-Armstrong may be one of MLB’s most promising young talents.

But in the pre-season moment, he’s just a son reading his mother’s message and smiling.

“I’ll carry that message into this season,” he said.

“Because ultimately, baseball is the game I’ve loved since I was a child.”

As the Cubs head into the 2026 season, Chicago fans hope Crow-Armstrong will continue to develop and become one of the team’s stars.

But for him, this season began with something very simple.

A message. A word of encouragement. A reminder that no matter how big the stage, family is always there behind him.

And sometimes, that’s the most powerful motivation for a player to step onto the court and play their best baseball.