Considering the Astros' game Tuesday at Wrigley Field was the team's first at the Friendly Confines since 2013, the majority of Houston's roster had never played there prior to this series against the Cubs. But second-year infielder Grae Kessinger knows Wrigley Field as well as anyone on the roster, and his name is pretty much royalty in Chicago baseball circles.
Grae's grandfather, Don Kessinger, was a six-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner for the Cubs, a club he played 12 of his 16 seasons with. Don was later a player/manager with the White Sox and is a huge influence on Grae's career.
"He took us all up here as a family when we were younger and I was able to play here in high school, but to be here now and a part of Major League Baseball, and as many hours and games as he played out here and just to be on that field, it's really special," Grae said. "It's certainly something I'll never forget."
Don Kessinger is in the Cubs Hall of Fame, and one of his Gold Gloves in on display in the team's offices. What's more, Don Kessinger has a plaque on the sidewalk along Waveland Ave. with other Cubs greats.
In his 16-year career with the Cubs (1964-75), Cardinals (1976-77) and White Sox (1977-79), Kessinger amassed 1,931 hits -- 254 doubles, 80 triples and 14 homers. He was known for his glove and played on the same infield as Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. Kessinger was the starting shortstop for the National League in the 1968 All-Star Game in the Astrodome.
Grae Kessinger said he was about 13 when his grandfather gave him a tour of Wrigley Field.
"When he brought us here, we did BP on the field, we saw his plaque outside," he said. "We went to all his favorite restaurants, we went to [Navy] Pier. We kind of did all the stuff that's touristy about Chicago and the places he ate, like Harry Caray's. We hit all the spots and it was just an awesome trip for our family."
Don Kessinger didn't make the trip to Chicago to see his grandson, but he did offer some advice about playing at Wrigley.
"He just said, 'Enjoy it,' and he said he's more excited for me on this trip than when he debuted here," said Grae, who didn't play in Tuesday's loss. "He's just happy I'm able to experience it, and I love him."
