In three weeks, shortstop Nico Hoerner became the unlikely hero Cubs fans needed down the stretch.
Called-up from Class AA Tennessee on an emergency basis earlier this month with Javier Baez, Addison Russell, and Class AAA Iowa shortstop Dixon Machado all out with injuries, Hoerner was the feel good story in the disastrous end of what has been an overall disappointing season.
The 22-year-old, who’s the first player from the 2018 draft class to make it to the big leagues, hit .288 with 15 RBI and three homers in 17 games.
Hoerner has been so impressive he’s played his way into the Cubs’ 2020 plans.
“You could not have possibly asked for more than we’ve got out of Nico,” manager Joe Maddon said earlier this week. “And the thing is, he’s going to keep getting better. This guy, he’s just a gym rat when it comes to baseball. He loves doing this, and he does it really, really well.”
And Maddon truly believes Hoerner has a chance to be on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster next spring.
“You always have to worry about there could be a little regression as the league catches up or whatever, but his bat-to-ball skills are so good, (and) he’s always had that,” Maddon said. “I don’t see that dissipating.”
With that, meet Nico Hoerner, who will likely be a key piece on the Cubs moving forward. He joined the Sun-Times for this week’s chat room.
Almost everyone has luxury leather chairs with a Cubs logo emblazoned on the back in the Wrigley Field clubhouse, but you’re sitting in what appears to be a cheap black office chair. Have you not earned the right for an upgrade yet?
Nico Hoerner: “[Laughs] I guess September you get a lot of people in here and maybe it’s more than the chair supply was expecting.”
You’re locker mates with Anthony Rizzo. How’s that going?
NC: “It’s great. I obviously wish he was healthy right now. But the guy definitely knows this place inside and out, he can help with little things.”
You had such an immediate impact to this team. Your 11 RBI in your first six games was the most by a Cubs player in that span since at least 1908. Did you expect to have this much success?
NC: “I didn’t come in expecting to have that many RBI right away or any specific stat, but I’ve been happy with how I’ve carried myself. And I’ve just kind of continued my game as it’s always been.”
It’s such a unique opportunity given the fact you didn’t play at Class AAA Iowa. Do you feel like you could start at major-league level next season?
NC: “Yeah, but I think the only way you do that is by being present. And I’m fortunate to be in this position where the priority is winning and kind of the personal stuff has followed that. So obviously when it comes to next year, I’m pushing to be on the team. And yes, that matters to me. But it’s all about right now and I think that if I continue to be present then those future personal things can take care of themselves.”
You’ve become a fan favorite. Has anyone recognized you outside a Cubs uniform yet?
NC: ”A little bit. That’s definitely something different. But just being part of a fanbase like this is really special.”
What’s been the most surreal moment of this entire experience so far?
NC: “Hugging my family and friends after my first game. That was probably the best thing that’s happened. ... [And] getting showered by the team after my first game was pretty cool.”
What’s it like to play at Wrigley Field?
NC: “I love the energy of it before the final out of every game, even if it’s a blowout or a close game, it always feels like a close game basically before that last out and I love that energy.”
Where were you when you got the call and did you think it was real?
NC: “It was not what I was expecting. I was at home in Oakland at my house and was with my family which is pretty unique for a call-up because usually you’re on the road or at a hotel or something but it was perfect.”
What’s something people don’t know about you?
NC: “I can dunk pretty well.” (Hoerner is 6’1.)
How tall is the rim?
NC: “A good size. It’s a normal size.”
You met with the media at Wrigley Field in 2018, but had you been to Chicago any other times?
NC: “No, only times I’ve been to Chicago have been to see doctors here when I’ve gotten hurt before, so it’s definitely good to be here in better circumstances.”
Have you had time to be a tourist?
NC: “A little bit with my family, just going to dinner and stuff but definitely have a lot more to explore.”
What’s on your list of things to do?
NC: “I want to get some food down by the river, that’d be cool.”
A press box wag wants to know the truth: Why did you chose Stanford over Washington?
NC: “Stanford is an hour from home. I love California, I love the Bay area, so that was a pretty easy [decision] for me.”
But it’s Washington...
NC: “Yeah, it’s beautiful. UW is great.”
Do you have a strict pre-game routine you follow? What is it?
NC: “It’s mental and physical. I’m just making sure I’m ready and trying to be as consistent as I can.”
