Love Letters From Pronk is an ongoing series where Pronk shares his love for somebody connected to the Cubs. Sometimes funny, sometimes weird, sometimes touching, Pronk likes to make 100% sure people know that they are loved, and best expresses that through gushing letters. Today's recipient: Cubs pitcher Alec Mills
Alec Mills is a little engine that could. I love players like that. He bounced around a little bit in the minors, and found himself stuck in the same place for several years: as a AAAA guy who'd get called up for a spot start, but then immediately sent back down regardless of what happened. Mills got his big chance in 2020, as rotation injuries allowed him to spend the full two months at the big league level.
He made the most of his opportunity. He earned his rotation spot by changing speeds and keeping hitters off balance. There were a few blips here and there, but he did have the game of his career: throwing a no hitter in Milwaukee. Overall, he was a great feel good story for 2020. He took some big steps forward, and became a relatable dude you could really root for. He deserves some recognition, so here's his well earned love letter.
Dear Alec,
Congratulations on a fantastic 2020 season. You made the most of your opportunities, and made us all proud. I love watching soft tossing pitchers find ways to keep hitters off balance, and you excelled at it this year. It was a thrill to watch.
I hope that 2020 was a pillar of your career, and that we have more to come. I think that you established some good things this year, and that you'll keep it going in the future. I'd say that in 2020, you went from being a depth level guy to a deserving veteran, earing a lot of leash in the future. I want to see a Cubs rotation in 2021 with you in it.
Congratulations again on the no hitter. It was a tough year at times for sports overall, but for that one day, everything was perfect. It was one of the most exciting games I've seen in the last few years, and that counts a lot of playoff baseball. It was so great seeing such a nice guy achieve baseball immortality. 6 more, and you catch Ryan.
XOXO,
Pronk