Shortstop Dansby Swanson and the rest of the Chicago Cubs seem to be enjoying their time in Pittsburgh, taking on the Pirates. They are going for their fourth-straight series win. It could just be that they benefit from a light schedule (Blue Jays, Tigers, and Marlins). But momentum is momentum.
Swanson himself has turned up the heat during the second half of the season. After a miserable start to the season, he has found a much-needed offensive surge. In the last 30 days, his OPS is .766, and he has raised his batting average from hovering at .200 to close to .230. It may not read as much on paper, but it is certainly noticeable in play.
On Monday, Swanson cranked a ball over the left-field wall to tally his first grand slam as a member of the Cubs. Eight stolen bases helped the Cubs demolish the Pirates 18-8.
Dansby Swanson and the rest of the Cubs arrived at PNC Park looking for more on Tuesday. It was also a special day for the Swanson family. With loved ones on hand, specifically his mom, Dansby took the celebration into his own hands.
In the top of the fourth inning on Tuesday night, Dansby Swanson launched a home run for the second consecutive day. He went down the line in the dugout, giving high fives to his fellow Cubs teammates. Then, he came to the top step at the opposite end and looked into the crowd. He found his mom and wished her a happy birthday.
Watching your child accomplish their dreams as a Major League Baseball player must be special. There’s probably another level of pride when they can launch a home run for you on your birthday. How can you not be romantic about baseball?
Remember, Dansby Swanson isn’t the only professional athlete in the family. He may not even be the best. His wife, Mallory Swanson, scored the game-winning goal for the United States Soccer Team in the Gold Medal match of this year’s Olympic Games in France. Mallory also plays for the Chicago Red Stars, our USWSL team in town.
No doubt the Swanson family has a lot of bragging to do when they’re out and about with a power couple like Mallory and Dansby.
