Chicago Cubs: An emotional day watching Kris Bryant’s return to Wrigley

Chicago Cubs: Emotions running high in the stands as Kris Bryant steps in

After a walk and an infield single given up by Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks, Bryant did indeed get a first inning at-bat. After a long lasting eruption from the crowd, a pat on the backside from catcher Willson Contreras, and a nod and smile from his friend on the bump, KB stepped into the box at Wrigley for the first time in the road greys. He struck out swinging, and the crowd had no idea what to do, including myself.

Giants fans behind me asked me how I was feeling, and why I wasn’t cheering for the strikeout. I had an answer for them, but the game was only going to be three or four hours long. I would’ve needed all night to explain something they’d regret asking. I just told them “He’s my guy. He’ll always be my guy no matter what.”

“Well he’s our guy now,” he said.

Ouch. That one hurt. All I could say was “You’re going to love him, and he’ll love you back.” What I really wanted to say was “You don’t deserve him,” but in reality, neither did we.

We went back and forth throughout the game. By the end of it I think they did understand how I/we Cubs fans felt and respected us for it. I returned my respect for the Giants, saying that if KB couldn’t play here, I’d be hard pressed to find a better organization than San Francisco. Ultimately, if Kris Bryant is happy. I’m happy.

Kris Bryant ended up 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. The Giants won the game 6-1. The Cubs could only muster up two hits: both by Frank Schwindel, one being a home run to left-center.