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: Dakota Mekkes
Pronounced Meeks? Meckies? Meeksie? Meekers? Mex?
Dakota is one of the pieces in the Compound. The Compound Podcast that is, with Ian Happ and Zack Short. He reached AAA in 2019, and then was likely cut out of a big league debut in 2020. After a couple of collegiate years at Michigan State, he's become the owner of a 2.20 minor league ERA (as a RP). Hopefully with a potential return to normality in 2021, he can finish of his development, reunite with Ian Happ at the big league level and help lock down the bullpen.
Dear Dakota,
Thank you for all of the time and effort you've put into the Compound. It has been enjoyable getting to know you guys, and I greatly appreciate the insight you give. On a more surface level, most fans want to interact and learn about just the star players in the game. A lot of times, the big superstars can't relate as well with us average Joes, because they are too busy driving their fancy cars to their mansions with their movie star girlfriends. A big part of baseball is the struggle up through the minor leagues, and developing that raw talent into something that hopefully becomes a big break. Seeing you and the Compound team at this early stage in your careers with a lot of uncertainty helps us fans see a lot of the day to day tidbits that will never pop up on a 30-For-30 ESPN special. It's a lot more down to earth, and a lot more interesting. It's really fun to see that you couple of dudes in your 20s are a whole lot like us average Joes. You just play a lot more golf than we do.
I hope things break your way in 2021. It was hard not seeing Minor League players get much of a chance in 2020. There are so many good dudes out there who really needed a season to get over the hump. I hope that all of your practice and development pays off. You are a really nice guy, and deserve it.
On a side note, the story about your last name and trying to get Ross to say it was one of the funniest baseball stories from this year. It was a good 5 minutes of belly laughs for me.
Hope to see you at Wrigley in 2021! I promise to chant your name in its correct pronunciation.
XOXO,
Pronk