Jake Arrieta returns to Wrigley Field, Cubs pay tribute to one of the best pitchers in franchise history
The Cubs opened a homestand Tuesday night with the first of three games against the team from Philadelphia. With the Phillies making its annual trip to Wrigley, the Cubs paid tribute to one of the best pitchers in franchise history.
Jake Arrieta was greeted by his old teammates and manager prior to the game. Arrieta signed with the Phillies after the Cubs’ brass decided to ink free agent Yu Darvish instead of re-signing one of the players that helped turn the franchise into World Series Champions.
The Cubs played the highlight video on the video board in between the first and second inning.
For what you’ve done for this franchise.
For what you’ve done for this city.
For what you do for the game.Thank you, @JArrieta34. pic.twitter.com/zuNKrjEDww
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 12, 2018
Tipping our caps to @JArrieta34. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4lDJjMMUqL
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 6, 2018
IT’S JAKE. pic.twitter.com/UJZ0rgOKzz
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 5, 2018
Arrieta, Maddon embrace pic.twitter.com/vfxrQQt0Wc
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) June 5, 2018
Jake Arrieta will forever be a Cub and etched his name in the history books by being part of the Cubs team that finally won it all. Arrieta was as responsible for the turnaround as anyone in the clubhouse.
The Cubs stole Jake Arrieta from the Orioles in the summer of 2013. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer sent RHP Scott Feldman, C Steve Clevenger and International Slot money to Baltimore for Arrieta and RHP Pedro Strop.
The Arrieta/Strop trade will be remembered as one of the best deals in Cubs history.
With the Cubs, Jake Arrieta was 68-31 in 128 starts over five seasons with a 2.73 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Arrieta struck out 793 batters with 244 walks in 803 innings. Arrieta became the first Cubs’ starter to win at least 20 games in a season. And, he pitched two no hitters, one against the Dodgers and the other against the Reds with David Ross behind the plate.
Arrieta put together the best second half by any starting pitcher in the game during the 2015 season. Arrieta was 12-1 in 15 starts with a 0.75 ERA and 0.72 WHIP. And he pitched the first of his two no-hitters with the Cubs. Arrieta dominated the Pirates in the Wild Card Game and led the Cubs to the NLCS on his way to winning the NL Cy Young Award.
Arrieta helped the Cubs win the World Series in what was a season that will never be forgotten by anyone from the front office to the coaching staff to the players and fans.
Jake Arrieta is and always will be a Cub and one of the best players to ever wear the blue pinstripes.
