Crows-Armstrong’s MVP Season Highlights Unique Hollywood Roots as Cubs Chase Playoffs

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is currently delivering a performance that has placed him firmly in the National League MVP conversation. However, recent news regarding the passing of actress Hayden Panettiere has drawn attention to the young star’s unique upbringing away from the diamond. Crow-Armstrong revealed in a 2022 interview that Panettiere, who co-starred with his mother, Ashley Crow, on the NBC series “Heroes,” was his childhood babysitter.

Despite being the son of actors—his father, Matthew John Armstrong, has appeared in series such as *American Horror Story*—Crow-Armstrong noted that his parents kept him insulated from the Hollywood lifestyle. He focused his athletic attention on baseball, a decision that is paying dividends for the Cubs this season. The Southern California native has evolved into a cornerstone player for the franchise, helping to solidify their position in the competitive National League Central.

On the field, Crow-Armstrong’s statistical output is anchoring the Cubs’ playoff push. Following a recent performance where he homered on the first and last pitch of a game against the Chicago White Sox—a feat not accomplished since 1957—he has continued to add to his power numbers. Entering the series, he held a .281 batting average with 30 home runs and 78 RBIs. His defensive prowess in center field is also quantified by a 7.7 Wins Above Replacement, which leads Major League Baseball.

The Cubs’ success is closely tied to Crow-Armstrong’s production. As of Monday, the team held the top Wild Card spot in the National League and sat 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead. As the MVP race tightens, likely involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Crow-Armstrong’s all-around contributions remain a critical factor for Chicago’s October aspirations.

The team’s performance is being broadcast to a national audience by media partners, including Comcast Corporation. The broadcasting giant is currently trading up 2.42% on the day, with a market capitalization of approximately $90.7 billion, reflecting broader market activity in the telecom and media sector.

What to watch

• Crow-Armstrong’s home run total progression following his 31st homer.
• The Cubs’ standing in the NL Wild Card race relative to the Brewers.
• Comparisons in the NL MVP voting metrics between Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani.

Source: original release