Sat Jun 14 15:30:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong Crushes Record-Breaking Home Run, Defies Conventional Wisdom**

**CHICAGO** – Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is turning heads, not just for his Gold Glove-caliber defense and stolen bases, but for his uncanny ability to turn seemingly unhittable pitches into home runs. On Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Crow-Armstrong blasted a two-run homer off Andrew Heaney that measured 8.1 inches above the strike zone, the highest pitch hit for a home run in the majors this season, according to ESPN Research.

“I’m just committing to being on time for it,” Crow-Armstrong said after the Cubs’ 3-2 victory. He explained his approach to Heaney’s high fastball.

The home run was Crow-Armstrong’s 18th of the season, an impressive feat fueled by his knack for hitting pitches both high and low outside the strike zone. He also has two of the five home runs hit in the majors this season on pitches at least 3 inches below the zone.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell admitted Crow-Armstrong is shattering expectations. “What you’ve seen in 30 years of baseball says it’s hard to hit balls for home runs,” Counsell said. “He’s proving me wrong.”

Even Cubs reliever Ryan Pressly expressed amazement, saying, “Sometimes, he hits them off the ground and sometimes he hits them over his head. I don’t even know how to pitch Pete, to be honest with you.”

Crow-Armstrong’s performance is bolstering his All-Star candidacy. Alongside his home run power and 21 stolen bases, his exceptional defense has catapulted him to the top of the National League in fWAR (wins above replacement).

Crow-Armstrong is tied for second in the NL in RBIs with teammate Seiya Suzuki. Suzuki, who also homered Thursday, has 17 home runs. Crow-Armstrong, Suzuki, and right fielder Kyle Tucker have formed a formidable trio at the heart of the Cubs’ lineup.

Despite the individual accolades, Crow-Armstrong remains focused on the team’s success. “What I’m doing is just contributing to the bigger picture,” he said. “I’m still just trying to play my part because that’s what’s worked really well for us. On any given day, I don’t have to be the guy. That’s the coolest thing ever.”

Read More