Kyle Hendricks is a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, known for his cerebral approach to the game and precise control on the mound.
He is affectionately nicknamed “The Professor” by his teammates and fans, a moniker that is both a reference to his Ivy League education and an homage to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, who also sported the same nickname.
In this blog post, we will explore why Kyle Hendricks is nicknamed “The Professor” and how his intelligence and analytical approach to the game of baseball have contributed to his success.
Hendricks’ Academic Background
Kyle Hendricks was born on December 7, 1989, in Newport Beach, California. He attended Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California, where he was a standout pitcher on the baseball team.
After high school, Hendricks attended Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution located in Hanover, New Hampshire. At Dartmouth, Hendricks majored in economics and was an outstanding student-athlete, earning academic honors and excelling on the baseball team.
During his time at Dartmouth, Hendricks was known for his intellectual prowess and analytical approach to the game of baseball. He was selected by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB draft, but he chose to return to Dartmouth for his senior year and graduated in 2012.
His Ivy League education and academic success have contributed to his reputation as a cerebral player, earning him the nickname “The Professor” among his peers and fans.
The Origins of the Nickname
Kyle Hendricks was first called “The Professor” during his time with the Cubs’ minor league system, due to his cerebral approach to the game and his Ivy League education. The nickname stuck with him as he advanced to the major leagues and became a fan favorite among Cubs fans.
The nickname also pays homage to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, who was similarly nicknamed “The Professor” due to his intelligence and craftiness on the mound.
Maddux is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time and had a significant influence on Hendricks’ career. Hendricks has spoken publicly about the impact that Maddux’s approach to pitching has had on him, and he has cited Maddux as one of his primary role models.
In addition to his nickname, Hendricks has also been compared to Maddux in terms of his pitching style, which emphasizes precision, control, and the ability to outthink opposing hitters.
Like Maddux, Hendricks is not known for overpowering hitters with his velocity but instead relies on location, movement, and deception to get batters out. This similarity in style has only added to the comparison between the two pitchers and further cemented Hendricks’ nickname as “The Professor.”
The Cerebral Approach to Baseball
Kyle Hendricks is known for his cerebral approach to the game of baseball, which is reflected in his pitching style.
Hendricks is not a power pitcher who relies on overwhelming hitters with speed; instead, he focuses on precision and control, hitting his spots with a variety of pitches that keep hitters off balance.
One of the keys to Hendricks’ success is his ability to analyze and break down opposing hitters. He is known for his preparation and attention to detail, studying film and scouting reports to identify weaknesses in his opponents’ swings.
This allows him to tailor his approach to each individual hitter, using his arsenal of pitches to exploit their weaknesses and induce weak contact.
In addition to his preparation, Hendricks’ cerebral approach is evident in the way he reads hitters’ swings and makes adjustments on the fly.
He is a master of changing speeds and mixing pitches, keeping hitters guessing and off balance. His ability to think ahead and anticipate what the hitter is looking for allows him to stay one step ahead and execute his game plan.
Overall, Hendricks’ cerebral approach to baseball has made him a successful pitcher in the major leagues, despite not possessing overwhelming physical tools.
His focus on precision and control, combined with his ability to analyze and adapt to opposing hitters, has earned him the nickname “The Professor” and the respect of his peers and fans alike.
Popular Perception and Reception
Kyle Hendricks’ nickname, “The Professor,” has been embraced by fans and teammates alike. It has become a part of his identity as a player, highlighting his intelligence and cerebral approach to the game of baseball.
Hendricks’ reputation as a thinking-man’s pitcher has only been enhanced by his nickname, as it reinforces the idea that he is a smart, analytical player who relies on strategy and cunning to succeed on the mound.
Fans and teammates alike appreciate his approach to the game and have come to respect him as a leader and a role model.
Hendricks has also been praised for his demeanor on the mound, which is often calm and composed, even in high-pressure situations. This has led to comparisons to Maddux, who was similarly known for his poise and mental toughness.
Hendricks’ ability to stay focused and maintain his composure has made him a popular player among Cubs fans and a valuable asset to his team.
Overall, Hendricks’ nickname has contributed to his reputation as a cerebral, intelligent player who uses his intellect and preparation to outthink and outmaneuver opposing hitters.
His success on the field, combined with his off-the-field reputation as a humble and hardworking player, has made him one of the most popular and respected players in the game today.
Kyle Hendricks’ Pitching Statistics
| Season | Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Earned Run Average (ERA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | TEX | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6.08 |
| 2014 | CHC | 13 | 7 | 2 | 2.46 |
| 2015 | CHC | 32 | 8 | 7 | 3.95 |
| 2016 | CHC | 30 | 16 | 8 | 2.13 |
| 2017 | CHC | 24 | 7 | 5 | 3.03 |
| 2018 | CHC | 33 | 14 | 11 | 3.44 |
| 2019 | CHC | 30 | 11 | 10 | 3.46 |
| 2020 | CHC | 12 | 6 | 5 | 2.88 |
| 2021 | CHC | 29 | 14 | 6 | 4.65 |
This table provides a summary of Kyle Hendricks’ pitching statistics for each season he has played in the major leagues. The table includes information about the team he played for, the number of games played, the number of wins and losses, and his earned run average (ERA) for each season.
FAQs
Who gave Kyle Hendricks his nickname “The Professor”?
Kyle Hendricks’ nickname “The Professor” was given to him by his Chicago Cubs teammates and fans, due to his Ivy League education and cerebral approach to the game of baseball.
Was Kyle Hendricks a standout athlete in college?
While Kyle Hendricks was a standout athlete in high school, he did not initially plan to play baseball in college. However, he was recruited to play for the Dartmouth College baseball team, where he became a top pitcher and was eventually drafted by the Texas Rangers.
Did Kyle Hendricks have any other nicknames?
While “The Professor” is his most well-known nickname, Kyle Hendricks has also been called “Hendo” by some of his teammates.
Has Greg Maddux commented on Kyle Hendricks’ nickname?
While there is no record of Greg Maddux commenting specifically on Kyle Hendricks’ nickname, it is widely known that Maddux was also called “The Professor” during his playing career, due to his similar cerebral approach to the game of baseball.
Is Kyle Hendricks the only player with an Ivy League education in Major League Baseball?
No, there have been several other players with Ivy League educations who have played in Major League Baseball, including Chris Young (Princeton), Jed Lowrie (Stanford), and Adam Eaton (Miami).
Conclusion
Kyle Hendricks’ nickname, “The Professor,” has become a defining characteristic of his career as a major league pitcher. The nickname pays homage to his Ivy League education and his cerebral approach to the game of baseball.
Hendricks’ focus on precision, control, and his ability to analyze and adapt to opposing hitters have made him a successful pitcher in the major leagues, despite not possessing overwhelming physical tools.
His nickname has only enhanced his reputation as a thinking-man’s pitcher and has contributed to his status as a respected player among fans and teammates alike.
Overall, Hendricks’ nickname serves as a reminder of the importance of intelligence and strategy in the game of baseball, and it will undoubtedly be a part of his legacy for years to come.
