Emma: Jason Heyward's Professionalism Shines Amid Prolonged Struggles
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nobody is more disappointed about Jason Heyward's struggles in a Cubs uniform than Jason Heyward himself.
Heyward would've loved to take right field to start Saturday's pennant clincher at Wrigley Field, producing that big moment he was brought to Chicago for. But until being a late-inning defensive replacement, the Cubs' highest-paid player rode the bench and watched as his team played one of its best game and earned a trip to the World Series.
The party began in and around Wrigley Field, a special scene worth the wait of 71 years. Despite the personal disappointment, nothing could stop Heyward from enjoying every bit of the occasion.
"It's an unbelievable experience," Heyward said with a smile.
Ever since arriving in Chicago, the 27-year-old Heyward has been touted for his professionalism. His reputation preceded him from previous stops, and he's lived up to that here.
What Heyward hasn't lived up to is the hopes the Cubs had for him as a player. He hit just .230 in the regular season with an OPS of .631. During this postseason, he's 2-for-28, and his biggest moment was an RBI groundout in Game 4 of the NLCS.
His upbeat demeanor has helped Heyward get through his struggles. He gets what it takes to be a good teammate, from an incredible gesture like buying veteran catcher David Ross a suite for road games to getting Chick-fil-A for his team.
Never once this season has Heyward made an excuse or pouted. He keeps showing up to work with a smile.
"This guy is maybe one of the most professional guys I've ever been around," Ross said recently.
Ross was teammates with Heyward in Atlanta, when the hometown kid was tasked with becoming a star for the Braves. He mostly lived up to that hype, rising to the ranks of the game's top young talents. He has been viewed as a five-tool player.
In Chicago, Heyward has shown his outstanding fielding ability consistently, and his speed is real. But the abilities at the plate have been diminished with a swing that needs a total reconstruction during the offseason.
During this past offseason, Heyward took less money to leave St. Louis and come to Chicago, signing an eight-year, $184-million deal with the Cubs. He wanted to be a part of this team's young core, with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and more. Heyward is just one day younger than Rizzo and fit right into the mold.
While the Cubs' young stars have thrived, Heyward mostly struggled. He posted a career-worst 1.6 WAR, well behind his teammates. But through the inconsistencies, he's enjoyed the ride.
"It's about this team," Heyward said. "It's about the team.
"As individuals, we all want to be in every big moment. We don't shy away from that. You look at that in the eye. We're just waiting for our chances and opportunity to help the team win."
The Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since 1945 and can win it for the first time since 1908. The franchise's futility has been washed away by this tremendous young team, and there's plenty more to come.
Being along for the ride has been quite memorable for Heyward. Celebrating on the field Saturday night at Wrigley was just the latest in moments he will never forget.
Heyward wants nothing more than to author his own big moment in the World Series. This season has been most disappointing for him, but the chance to become a champion has Heyward enjoying every bit of this experience.
"Four more wins means we're world champions, we've done what we came here to do," he said. "It means a beautiful time here in Chicago."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
