Jun 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Jake Arrieta Throws Out First Pitch at Crosstown Series

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 4, 2024 11:36 PM ET

Ahead of Tuesday's game between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, a familiar face threw out the first pitch ahead of the first game in the Crosstown Series at Wrigley Field. 2015 NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta was back at the Friendly Confines, throwing heat on the ceremonial first pitch.

Jake throwing pic.twitter.com/r3yn7tF4ml
— Cubs On Tap (@CubbiesOnTap) June 5, 2024

Arrieta arrived in Chicago in the infamous trade with the Baltimore Orioles for Scott Feldman. Since arriving in 2013, Arrieta quickly turned his career around. He showed a lot of promise in 2014 before dominating in 2015 on his way to the NL Cy Young. In 2016, Arrieta was still impressive, helping the Cubs capture their first World Series in 108 years.

Arrieta made a return to the Cubs before the 2021 season after three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, but was a shell of himself. He was released before the end of the season and was virtually done with baseball. Still, his run with the Cubs is one of legends.

In 148 starts with the Cubs, Arrieta owned a 73-42 record, 3.14 ERA, and 867 strikeouts. Even with his 6.88 ERA in 2021, Arrieta's Cubs career numbers are special.

Regardless of how it ended, Arrieta will forever be a Cubs legend and everyone was surely happy to see Jake back at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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