History of Kyle Hendricks in Timeline

Kyle Hendricks is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He debuted in MLB in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs. He achieved significant success with the Cubs, notably leading MLB in earned run average (ERA) in 2016. That same year, he played a key role in helping the Cubs win the World Series, ending their 108-year championship drought. Known for his command and control rather than velocity, Hendricks has established himself as a notable pitcher in MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1938: Last Cub to lead the Majors in ERA prior to Hendricks

In 1938, before Kyle Hendricks in 2016, a Cub last led the majors in ERA.

1945: Last Cub to lead the NL in ERA prior to Hendricks

In 1945, before Kyle Hendricks in 2016, a Cub last led the National League in ERA.

1945: Cubs last World Series appearance before 2016

In 1945, the Chicago Cubs last appeared in the World Series before their appearance in 2016.

1974: Last Cubs Opening Day Shutout Before Hendricks

In 1974, Bill Bonham pitched the last Opening Day shutout for the Cubs before Kyle Hendricks in 2020.

December 7, 1989: Kyle Hendricks Born

On December 7, 1989, Kyle Christian Hendricks was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Drafted by Los Angeles Angels

In 2008, Kyle Hendricks was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 39th round of the MLB draft but chose to attend Dartmouth College instead.

2010: Played in Cape Cod Baseball League

In 2010, Kyle Hendricks played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Drafted by Texas Rangers

In 2011, Kyle Hendricks was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball draft and signed with them, beginning his professional career with the Spokane Indians.

2012: Completed Coursework

In 2012, Kyle Hendricks completed coursework at Dartmouth College.

2012: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

In 2012, Kyle Hendricks was acquired by the Chicago Cubs along with Christian Villanueva in exchange for Ryan Dempster at the trade deadline.

December 2013: Earned Bachelor's Degree

In December 2013, Kyle Hendricks earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Dartmouth College after completing his coursework.

2013: Last MLB Opening Day Shutout Before Hendricks

In 2013, Clayton Kershaw pitched the last Opening Day shutout in MLB before Kyle Hendricks in 2020.

2013: Minor League Pitcher of the Year

In 2013, Kyle Hendricks began the season with the Tennessee Smokies and was later promoted to the Iowa Cubs. He was also named the Cubs' minor league pitcher of the year.

July 4, 2014: Trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel

On July 4, 2014, following the trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks was called up to make his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

2014: PCL Pitcher of the Week

In 2014, Kyle Hendricks began the season with Iowa and was named the PCL's Pitcher of the Week for May 12–18.

2015: Member of the Cubs Starting Rotation

In 2015, Kyle Hendricks became a member of the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation, led by Jon Lester.

2015: 2015 Season Performance and Postseason Appearances

In 2015, Kyle Hendricks had an 8-7 record with a 3.95 ERA. He started game two of the National League Division Series against St. Louis and game three of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

2016: Led Baseball in ERA

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks finished the season with a 16-8 record and a 2.13 ERA, leading all of baseball. This was the first time a Cub had led the National League in ERA since 1945 and the majors since 1938.

2016: Won the World Series

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks helped send the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series since 1945 and won the World Series over the Cleveland Indians, ending their 108-year title drought.

2016: World Series Win and ERA Leader

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks led Major League Baseball in earned run average (ERA) and also won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs.

2016: Final Player from the 2016 World Series team to leave

In 2016, Kyle Hendricks was part of the World Series winning team. By the end of the 2024 season, he was the final player from that team to leave.

June 8, 2017: Placed on Disabled List

On June 8, 2017, Kyle Hendricks was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to middle finger tendon inflammation in his right hand.

November 2017: Marriage to Emma Cain

In November 2017, Kyle Hendricks married his longtime girlfriend, Emma Cain.

2017: Players Weekend Nickname

During the 2017 season, Kyle Hendricks chose "Hendo" as his nickname for the Players Weekend.

2018: Season Stats and Wild Card Game Loss

In 2018, Kyle Hendricks had a 14-11 record with a 3.44 ERA. He was the losing pitcher in the NL Wild Card Game against the Colorado Rockies, giving up one run in the 13th inning.

March 26, 2019: Contract Extension with the Cubs

On March 26, 2019, Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2023 season with a vesting option for the 2024 season.

July 24, 2020: Complete-Game Shutout

On July 24, 2020, Kyle Hendricks pitched a complete-game shutout in the Cubs' season opener against the Brewers, throwing 103 pitches with three hits allowed, nine strikeouts, and no walks. It was the first Opening Day shutout by a Cubs pitcher since 1974 and in MLB since 2013.

2020: 2020 Season Stats and Cy Young Voting

In 2020, Kyle Hendricks had a 6-5 record with a 2.88 ERA, led the NL in fewest walks per 9 IP (0.885) and strikeout/walk ratio (8.000). He also finished ninth in Cy Young voting.

April 18, 2021: Home Runs Allowed in First Inning

On April 18, 2021, in a game against the Atlanta Braves, Kyle Hendricks allowed four home runs in the first inning, becoming the first pitcher in Cubs history to do so.

2022: Shoulder Injury

In 2022, Kyle Hendricks made 16 starts for Chicago before suffering a capsular tear in his shoulder, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season after his last start on July 5.