Cubs' Pete Crowe Armstrong bounces back from slump to become MVP candidate

[San Diego Current Affairs] Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been in the spotlight for hitting 45 home runs, the most in the US Major League Baseball this season. His hitting was poor in the early going, and he was struggling to find an answer in a situation where ``it could have ruined the season.''

In May, his batting average dropped to .220, and ``it felt like a long time had passed.'' Still, he counted the number of games left every day and told himself, ``There's plenty of time to make a comeback.''

A word from his colleague Alex Bregman, whom he regards as his "mentor," became a turning point. "Narrow down your aim." When he was in a slump, he found himself swinging blindly at bat. He was conscious of not missing the ball he was supposed to hit near the center, and the effects were immediately apparent.

The ball swing rate decreased from 45.8% in March to April to 30.7% in May. He quickly improved over the summer, hitting 14 home runs in August. He was fixed at No. 1 and ended up becoming the seventh player in Major League history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season. His center field defense has been highly praised, and he is considered the top candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

He was born and raised in Los Angeles to parents who were both actors. His playing style, which emphasizes emotional expression, is popular with local fans. The 24-year-old, whose first name ``PCA'' has become a nickname, said, ``I'm going to start playing baseball from scratch again.'' Even after having a breakthrough season, he plays without getting complacent.