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 Legend Jake Arrieta.
Jake Arrieta was a stud for the Cubs. For five years on the north side, he put up a 68-31 record, 2.73 ERA, and tiny 1.034 WHIP. There were also two no hitters and one Cy Young award. Jake Arrieta was one of the best pitchers in baseball.
While he left after the 2017 season, he was still well received by Cubs fans. We were ecstatic to learn that Jake is coming back to the Cubs. On 2/12/21, it was announced that Arrieta will rejoin the Cubs on a one year deal. Jake Arrieta is a north sider again!
Dear Jake,
I am super excited to have you back on the north side. You might not be what you once were in 2015, but your grizzled veteran edge and ground ball tendencies will be a welcome addition to the Cubs rotation. Games started by you were always a blast to watch, and I'm looking forward to a second helping of what we've come to call "Jake days."
It was tough watching you go to Philly. I know baseball is a business and pitching is unstable, but it was just so hard having someone who pitched in as many big games go elsewhere. I'm glad you got paid, because you certainly earned it.
I was trying to come up with my favorite memory of you, and it's tough. There were the no hitters, which were great memories. I loved watching you in the postseason. I was fortunate to attend a late September 2015 game, which you started. Seven shutout innings and a no hitter through five was fun. I was at the game when you first game back to Wrigley as a Phillie, and I was part of that standing ovation.
But I think the memory I'll treasure most was the 2015 Wild Card game. You were in control. Once the Cubs scored first, it was game over. My favorite moment from that game though, when you got plunked, then stole a base. What kind of starting pitcher steals a base in a winner take all playoff game? That was one of the gutsiest moves I've ever seen on a baseball diamond.
Glad to have you back in Chicago. You'll always be a Cub. Welcome home.
XOXO
Pronk