Kyle Hendricks, affectionately known as “The Professor,” delivered an emotional farewell to the Cubs fans on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. As he walked off the mound, he patted his heart and clapped his glove, basking in a lengthy standing ovation from the crowd. Once he reached the dugout, Hendricks embraced his teammates and coaching staff, acknowledging the significance of the moment. Then, he ascended the steps, removed his cap, and waved to the fans who understood just how special this day was.

“It’s all about feeling the emotions, man,” Hendricks reflected after the game. “I know I have to soak in these moments. Wrigley fans are truly special; they’re the best in the world. Playing here makes me feel incredibly lucky.”

As the longest-tenured member of the Cubs and the last remaining player from the historic 2016 World Series team, Hendricks has established himself as a franchise great. Over his 11 seasons with Chicago, he has consistently defied the high-octane trends of modern pitching with his unique blend of precision and guile.

However, with free agency on the horizon, uncertainty looms over Hendricks’ future. “The door isn’t closed here,” he remarked. “While it’s likely I’ll be somewhere else, I’ll always treasure these memories and the great teammates I’ve had along the way.”

Facing the Cincinnati Reds—the same team he battled in his Major League debut on July 10, 2014—Hendricks showcased his skills in a brilliant performance, throwing 7 1/3 shutout innings and allowing just two hits. His statistics echoed the impressive outing he delivered in Game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series against Clayton Kershaw, a game that propelled the Cubs to the World Series. “He was unbelievable,” said Cubs left fielder Ian Happ. “You couldn’t have scripted it any better.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell made a poignant choice to have pitching coach Tommy Hottovy come to the mound to relieve Hendricks. Knowing the emotional weight of the moment, Counsell had decided in advance that Hottovy, who has witnessed nearly every pitch of Hendricks’ career, should be the one to take the ball. “He knew when I tapped him on the shoulder,” Counsell noted with a smile.

Hendricks and Hottovy share a strong bond; Hottovy joined the Cubs as a run prevention coordinator in Hendricks’ debut season and became pitching coach in 2019. As they embraced on the mound, Hendricks expressed his gratitude for Hottovy’s unwavering support throughout his career.

This season has not been without challenges for the 34-year-old pitcher. After struggling with a 12.00 ERA in the early months, he faced a stint on the injured list and briefly took on a role in the bullpen. Yet, by late June, he returned to the rotation, finishing the season with a commendable 4.29 ERA in his last 20 appearances. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer praised Hendricks’ resilience during this tough period. “For him to re-double his efforts was really impressive,” Hoyer said.

Hendricks himself felt fortunate to finish the season on a high note. “Honestly, I didn’t expect to be here after April and May,” he admitted. “There were moments I thought I shouldn’t be on this team. Thankfully, they kept giving me opportunities, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.”

His 270 starts with the Cubs tie him for ninth in team history alongside Hippo Vaughn. Overall, he boasts a 3.68 ERA, 1,259 strikeouts, and 364 walks over 1,580 1/3 innings pitched, making his 3.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio the third-best in franchise history. Hendricks won the Major League ERA title (2.13) in 2016 and played a crucial role in five playoff teams, including the one that ended the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought.

After Saturday’s victory, his teammates celebrated in the clubhouse, with Happ recapping Hendricks’ career achievements. Counsell emphasized the importance of this day for the younger players, while a stack of 23 authenticated baseballs from the game sat at Hendricks’ locker, preserving the memories of a remarkable career.

“He’s a perfect example of what it means to be a Chicago Cub,” Happ remarked, reflecting not just on Hendricks’ accomplishments on the field but also on his character as a person. As “The Professor” steps into a new chapter, his legacy in Chicago is secure, cherished by fans and teammates alike.