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 pick: former Cubs pitcher Glendon Rusch.
Today's love letter goes out to an under the radar candidate, former Cubs journeyman Glendon Rusch. You might find him to be a bit of an unorthodox candidate, but I think that you'll also want to write him a love note by the time you are done.
Dear Glendon,
First impressions are key. You made a great one with your baseball reference page profile picture. You aren't scowling like Ian Happ. You are overjoyed to be a Chicago Cub. I'm not sure why this isn't your Twitter profile picture Glendon, but it needs to be!
You were a strong supporting player for the 2004 Cubs. Every year, I hope that the Cubs have one solid pitcher who can split between the pen and the rotations. Because inevitably, it's always needed. In 2004, you were that guy:
32 games, 16 starts, 5 games finished, and 2 saves. A true super utility pitcher who was there when the team needed him. A Swiss Army knife.
I was reacquainted with you at the 2020 Cubs Convention, where you were a part of several events. At first, I was like "oh yeah, that guy. When did he pitch again?" But during your time in the spotlight, you were a joyful and insightful presence. Suddenly, there was new value. Not on the mound, but in our hearts. This led to me discover your Twitter account, and I'm glad I did.
Your Twitter account is a great follow. It is one part news, one part humor, one part insight, and one part trivia. All parts great.
Most admirable, is how you regularly do good deeds for fans:
Those are the cool little experiences those guys will share with their friends and family for years. Small gestures go a long way for us fans. Whether its an autograph or just a simple social media like, your outreach to fans online has gone a long way towards building the baseball community. Thanks for making the world a brighter place.
I did have a couple pieces of unsolicited advice for you:
• Get on Cameo, because there's a good number of Cubs fans who'd love to get a personal message from you.
• Keep coming to the Convention every winter. You were a very welcome part of it last year, and I'd love to see you again!
• Update your Twitter profile picture to the Baseball Reference one. In fact, get that picture on your driver's license.
XOXO,
Pronk