Chicago Cubs: Jason Heyward Is Leading By Example
It doesn’t matter that Jason Heyward just won a World Series Championship with the Chicago Cubs, or that he’s only in the second season of his $184 million contract. All he wants to do is lead by example.
Jason Heyward knew the pressure that came with signing an eight-year mega deal with the Chicago Cubs prior to last season. All he wants to do now is show coaches, teammates, and fans that he’s not content with just being a valuable defensive player.
After having a rough 2016 season at the plate, Heyward decided to improve his swing this offseason. He altered his batting stance to resemble what it looked like during his 2012 season. That season, he smashed 27 home runs, looking like a power-hitting force for years to come.
The early results for Heyward this season have been pleasant. He already hit three home runs heading into Tuesday night’s game. More importantly, though, Heyward is hitting balls with more authority and confidence.
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Heyward’s hot start in April thus far is remarkable, given that he’s still getting used to an altered batting stance. Not to mention the fact that he’s had to block out past criticism from fans growing impatient with his hitting woes prior to the start of this season.
Maybe it just takes another year in Chicago to truly feel comfortable as a player. After all, starting pitcher Jon Lester had his fair share of struggles throughout his first season as a Cub in 2015, only to improve dramatically the following season.
While we’re only nearing the end of April, Heyward’s improved hitting is a sight to behold. How long it keeps going remains to be seen.
What’s certain about Heyward is that he’s never satisfied. Despite getting paid a boatload of money for years to come, Heyward wants to live up to his current contract.
Furthermore, he wants to lead by example. Showing his teammates that it’s never too late to keep improving your game. Even after going through plenty of ups and downs throughout a career.
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For Heyward, it appears that his hitting struggles of last season made him stronger mentally. Getting caught up in a seemingly endless slump is easy, along with pedestrian statistical numbers by season’s end. Instead, he turned over a new page in his career, letting the next chapter unfold in terrific fashion.