Nick Burdi, a right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, has a lot to be grateful for. After overcoming multiple injuries and surgeries that sidelined him for most of the past three seasons, he finally made his return to the major leagues on May 16. But he knows he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife, Rebecca.
In a heartfelt tweet, Burdi expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that his wife became a full-time mom and had worked two separate jobs to give him a chance at chasing his dream one more time.
“Over the last 3 seasons my wife became a full time mom. Worked 2 separate jobs to give me a chance at chasing my dream one more time. Without you none of this is possible. Only thing that ever mattered was proving WE could do this!” Burdi wrote.
Burdi, 30, was a star pitcher at the University of Louisville, where he holds the Louisville Single Season/Career Saves Record and won the 2014 NCBWA Stopper of the Year award. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the MLB June Amateur Draft that year.
But his professional career was plagued by setbacks, including two Tommy John surgeries and thoracic outlet procedures. He debuted with the Twins in 2018, but only pitched 12 1/3 combined innings with them and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who selected him in the Rule 5 draft in 2017.
He signed with the Cubs organization in February and spent the 2023 season with their Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. He had not pitched in the majors since August 2020 due to his injuries. Still, he persevered and posted an impressive 3.38 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 10.2 innings in Triple-A Iowa.
His dedication paid off when the Cubs selected his contract on May 15, as part of a series of roster moves. He took the bullpen spot vacated by Brad Boxberger, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain.
Burdi made his Cubs debut on May 16 against the Washington Nationals, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout and one walk. He received praise from his teammates and manager David Ross, who called him “a great story.”
“He’s been through a lot,” Ross said. “He’s got great stuff. He’s got a great attitude. He’s been working really hard.”
Burdi’s journey inspires aspiring athletes and is a reminder of the importance of a strong support system in achieving dreams. His wife Rebecca, who is a family nurse practitioner working for AZ IV Medics, has been by his side throughout his ordeal.
The couple met at Bettie Johnson Hall before their freshman year at Louisville and got married on Dec. 15, 2018. They have a son named Jaxson.
Burdi said he hopes to make his wife proud and contribute to the Cubs’ success.
“She’s been everything for me,” Burdi said. “She’s been my rock.”
Reference：
- 2 quotes from the article “LOUISVILLE GREAT NICK BURDI CREDIT’S WIFE’S DEDICATION TO A PATH BACK TO MAJORS”
- 2 quotes from the article “Cubs reliever Nick Burdi’s heartfelt message for wife before MLB comeback: “Without you, none of this is possible””
- 0 quotes from the article “Cubs roster moves: Jeremiah Estrada, Nick Burdi recalled”