Starlin Castro bids Chicago Cubs fans a fond farewell

Starlin Castro takes to the Players Tribune to give thanks to the Chicago Cubs fans during his time there.

Starlin Castro went on the Players Tribune to give thanks to the Chicago Cubs fans. He wrote about how he enjoyed his experience as a Cub, and how he grew as a person and a player there.

Starlin’s words were heartfelt. He expressed how much he loved playing in Chicago, and how much he loved the fans.

"The Cubs fans were always so good to me, and I will never be able to thank them enough. When I got to Chicago, I was just a kid, trying to figure things out at a new job in a new city. When you’re new, you want to be approved of, and you want to belong. Those first big cheers I got at Wrigley are something that I will never forget. They helped me feel like I was doing something right — and they helped me feel like I was home."

Starlin Castro also spoke about his love of the Chicago Cubs. He learned much with a variety of coaches and managers, and he soaked everything in while there.

"To the Cubs organization: I’d like to thank you — for everything. You gave me an opportunity, you believed in me and you were always honest with me. You didn’t just help me grow as a player; you helped me become an adult. Even when we were losing in Chicago during those first few years, it felt like we were working toward a larger goal. There were always coaches and veterans creating a sense that we were all in this together — and that the wins would come."

Castro also gave much thanks to a particular veteran teammate who was his mentor — Alfonso Soriano.

“The veteran player who helped me most, without question, was Alfonso Soriano. We had a connection from the start because we are both Dominican — but even beyond our roots, Alfonso is the guy who taught me how to act like a professional. I remember during my rookie year, Alfonso taking the time to go with me, walk around to some stores, and help me pick out some new, more professional clothes.

“’This,’ Alfonso said with a smile. ‘Is how you dress like a big-leaguer.’ It meant a lot to me. Three years later, Alfonso became the godfather to my son.”

Starlin Castro also touched on his benching this season, and how he bounced back.

"As for this past season: Getting replaced at shortstop was a struggle for me at first. Change is never easy — especially when it is a change away from something you took pride in. But I also took pride in the fact that I was not going to be one of those players who lost his spot and then brought the team down with him. I knew that I had been taught — by veterans like Alfonso, and other great leaders in the Cubs organization — to be better than that."

Castro got a second chance at second base, and made the most of it. He hit .426 in September and was a big reason for the Cubs’ push to get into the playoffs.

More from Da Windy City

Castro also talked about his new home in New York, and how he felt welcomed, getting calls from Carlos Beltran and Reggie Jackson. He ended his essay by saying he may visit Chicago again.

To my new city, New York, I can promise you this: You are acquiring a player who just got to experience a pennant race for the first time — and loved it.

And to my old city, Chicago, I want to thank you for such an amazing experience. I’ll always hold Chicago close to my heart. And hey — maybe I’ll still visit sometime.

How’s October?

Next: Chicago Bears Position Review: Running Backs

Starlin Castro in Wrigley Field wearing an opponent’s uniform in the World Series. Now that is something to look forward to in the future.

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