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Kyle Hendricks has a message for Cubs fans and it will tug at your heartstrings

2 weeks agoTony Andracki

It remains to be seen if this is the final week of Kyle Hendricks’ career with the Cubs.

He will be a free agent at the end of the season and the path toward a reunion in Chicago is complicated.

As he faces an uncertain future for the first time in his career, an emotional Hendricks couldn’t help but reflect back on his 11 years in Chicago during a conversation with Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor.

“It’s the longest I’ve ever been in one place in my whole life, basically,” Hendricks said. “It holds such a special place in my heart, in my family’s [heart]. Everyone’s been so nice to me through all the ups and downs.

“The fans have been so caring and loving to me, towards my family whenever I see them out in the city. Just people saying, ‘thank you for the World Series’ or just having a nice talk with people – everybody is just so nice. They’re the best fans in the world. They pack out Wrigley every single night.”

[MORE: Kyle Hendricks reflects on uncertain future with Cubs: ‘I’m not ready to say goodbye to Chicago’]

Hendricks will likely receive another start at Wrigley on the final weekend of the season against the Reds, though the team has not yet announced its pitching plans.

If he does get the ball, it will be his 136th start and 140th appearance at Wrigley Field.

“To be able to pitch that many games at Wrigley Field, to be able to put on the Cubs uniform, wear that logo so many times, it’s so, so special to me,” Hendricks said. “It’s going to take a long time, honestly, for me to really reminisce on all of it and have it soak in.

“But it’s not lost on me just how special it’s really been for the last 10-11 years and for my family. And I’m really gonna be able to hold on to that for the rest of my life.”

Hendricks was asked how much he has grown from his rookie season of 2014.

He mentioned his teammates and the organization, but once again, he came back to the fanbase and the city of Chicago.

“It’s been such a fun journey,” Hendricks said. “All the teammates I’ve gotten to come across, all the good friends I’ve been able to make in this game – that’s gonna always stand out to me. Being able to slow everything down and really take it all in here, this last year or so, I wouldn’t have been able to do that first coming up, starting my career.

“Just being comfortable in who I am, comfortable in my own skin and the pitcher I am, going out there every single day – all of that has changed. I can’t thank Chicago enough. They’ve always supported me and always had my back.”

Catch the full interview with Hendricks and McGregor on the Marquee Sports Network app.

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