Watch: Emotional Dansby Swanson tells powerful story of how late grandfather influenced decision to join Cubs
Dansby Swanson was officially introduced as a member of the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday and told media members how his late grandfather influenced his decision to join the "North Siders."
Swanson revealed that, despite growing up in Kennesaw, Georgia, and with most of the rest of his family being Atlanta Braves fans, his grandfather was a Cubs fans (the Braves were his second-favorite team). Swanson grew up with his grandfather living "across the yard" from the shortstop's parents and the elder family member would spend countless hours hitting groundballs to the youngster.
The 2022 first-time All-Star and Gold Glove award winner said that every day when he ran over to see his grandfather, he would be watching a Cubs game. Swanson and his wife -- Chicago Red Stars standout forward Mallory Pugh -- got married earlier this month, just one day before his grandfather passed away.
The former No. 1 overall pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks also spoke about what it will be like to play in the same city as Pugh, saying "it means the world."
It was reported last week that Swanson had agreed to a seven-year, $177 million deal with Chicago. The 28-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Braves, collecting 102 home runs, 411 RBIs and 58 stolen bases, while slashing .255/.321/.417 and earning a 2021 World Series ring.
Swanson finished the 2022 season with 25 home runs and career highs in RBIs (96), stolen bases (18), runs scored (99), hits (177) and batting average (.277) among other categories, while playing in all 162 regular season games.
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