When the Chicago Cubs drafted star San Diego slugger Kris Bryant second overall in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, fans took instant notice. The running belief on him was a capable defender with all-world power in his bat. For the next two years people kept a close watch on him as he developed in the minor leagues. They couldn’t wait to see what he’d do when called up.

The short answer is plenty. As a rookie in 2015, Bryant batted .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs. He became a focal point of their offense almost overnight, unheard of for a rookie. The Cubs reached the NLCS and he was named to his first All-Star game. Fast forward a year and thing got even better.

Every statistical category improved for him: .292 batting average, 39 home runs, 102 RBIs and a second All-Star nod. He’s considered the favorite to win National League Most Valuable Player. To top it off he was critical to the Cubs winning their first World Series in 108 years.

People know what he did on the field to make that happen. What they don’t know is the lengths he went to off the field. (continue to next page from top)