The 10 most wholesome moments of the 2024 Cubs season
Every baseball season is filled with a countless supply of highlights and big plays.
But there are also always those moments that transcend the sport and make you feel warm and comfy.
And what better time to feel uplifted than during the week of Thanksgiving?
Let’s take a look at the 10 most wholesome moments of the 2024 Cubs season. Catch the full video on the Marquee Sports Network app.
Honorable Mentions
A heck of a catch by a young fan at Wrigley Field
Young Cubs fan Anthony made an incredible catch on a fly ball at the Friendly Confines and had an epic, post-catch interview with Elise Menaker.
This young @Cubs fan caught a foul ball.
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 21, 2024
His interview after with @EliseMenaker was electric! pic.twitter.com/s1iciI5Iza
Phillie Phanatic sneaking into the Marquee booth with Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Jim Deshaies
The Phillie Phanatic always makes things fun — and it was no different when the Cubs were in Philadelphia as the mascot crashed the broadcast booth in the 3rd inning.
Cubs for a Cure
The Cubs held a special “Cubs for a Cure” event on August 17, using the day to raise much-needed funds for cancer research.
Shota Imanaga and Shohei Ohtani showing mutual respect for each other at Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium
The two Japanese stars shared mutual respect for each other, throughout their matchups this season. It started early in the season at Wrigley Field and then again in Los Angeles.
10. Marquee’s All-Female Broadcast
Beth Mowins, Taylor McGregor and Elise Menaker teamed up to make some history on July 7.
The trio became the first all-female broadcast in Cubs history, as they called the Cubs 5-0 win over the Angels at Wrigley Field.
9. Jr. Broadcaster calls Dansby’s HR
10-year-old Parker Meade made the most of his opportunity in the Marquee booth as the Wintrust Junior Broadcaster on September 2.
While he was chatting with Sciambi and Deshaies, Dansby Swanson connected on a home run, giving Parker the chance to show off his skills. Before the game, he was able to meet some of the Cubs players, play catch with Pete Crow-Armstrong and then nailed the call on a long ball by the Cubs shortstop.
8. Shota Imanaga’s heart-warming relationship with interpreter Edwin Stanberry
Imanaga quickly became a fan favorite with Cubs fans. His relationship with his interpreter, Edwin Stanberry, helped nurture that. Stanberry was not just there as a liason, but a crucial cog in the relationship between Imanaga, the Cubs and fans.
The duo were together throughout the way and the Cubs ace made sure to always give him his due and forming a special connection.
7. Cody Bellinger homering after Wrigley crowd chants his name
Cubs fans had a quick bond with outfielder Cody Bellinger after one season in 2023. As the offseason progressed and he remained a free agent, Cubs fans showed their desire to have him return, chanting his name at Cubs Convention.
When he finally returned, they showed their appreciation — and then in season, they once again chanted his name on April 2. And, boy, did he deliver with an awesome moment.
CODY BELLINGER, OH MY 😮 pic.twitter.com/a6leY85GMF
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 3, 2024
6. Fans in the Wrigley bleachers with “Shota” painted on their chest
Early in the season, a group of fans showed their appreciation for Imanaga, spelling out “SHOTA!” across their bare chests in the bleachers on a cold day at Wrigley Field.
Imanaga took notice, and made sure to show his appreciation, partnering with Obvious Shirts to give them shirts that spelled out “SHOTA!” and met them on the field.
Shota Imanaga meets his biggest fans!@EliseMenaker pic.twitter.com/nYJKXhjxrE
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 21, 2024
5. Dansby Swanson wishing his mom a happy birthday
As the Cubs tried to stay in the playoff hunt and playing a crucial series in Pittsburgh, Swanson was able to to deliver for his team — and provide an ultimate birthday present.
Swanson hit a 2-run home run in the 4th inning and then in the dugout, wished a happy birthday to his mom, who was seated behind the Cubs dugout.
4. Ryker’s Day at Wrigley
Ryker Colón is a massive Cubs fan.
He also has a rare form of muscular dystrophy hat has confined him to a wheelchair. But the Cubs provide he and his family a much-needed outlet. On September 21, Ryker and his family were able to spend pregame on the field and meet Cubs players, including Ryker’s favorite player, Pete Crow-Armstrong.
3. Sandberg Statue Ceremony
Ryne Sandberg was forever immortalized on June 23.
The Cubs legend had his statue revealed at Gallagher Way, with many of his former teammates and the entire Cubs team present for the unveiling. It came after a difficult year for Sandberg, who had announced earlier in the year his battle with cancer.
"My life changed a lot in 1984, but that's nothing compared to what had happened six months ago. My thoughts today are instead about love, life, family and friends."
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 23, 2024
Ryne Sandberg during his statue unveiling pic.twitter.com/zVasCRH1Gc
2. Rizzo/Javy return to Wrigley
The last two prominent members of the 2016 World Series-winning team returned to Wrigley Field, three years after they had left and received heroes welcomes.
Javy Báez returned on August 20 when the Tigers came into town to play the Cubs.
El Mago receives a standing ovation in his 1st at-bat 👏 pic.twitter.com/hBvJnCl3Vg
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 21, 2024
A little less than a month later, on September 6, Anthony Rizzo returned to Wrigley Field with the Yankees. The first baseman was the last member of the team to return to the Friendly Confines and received a hero’s welcome. He received standing ovations and his walk-up song played before each of his at-bats.
Anthony Rizzo's walk-up song 'Intoxicated' plays before his 1st at-bat at Wrigley 👏 pic.twitter.com/BDn4OR3xQy
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 6, 2024
1. Kyle Hendricks’ last start, The Professor’s last class
The last member of the 2016 World Series team, Kyle Hendricks made his final start at Wrigley Field as a Cub on September 28.
After a trying season, Hendricks turned back the clock, tossing one of his trademark outings, shutting out the Reds over 7.1 innings of 2-hit ball. He was removed from the game by his longtime pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and received a standing ovation from the Wrigley Field faithful.