Trending Now - Father and Son Face Off in Spring Training Game

WHO:

Craig Counsell: Manager of the Chicago Cubs

Brady Counsell: 22-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks prospect, son of Craig Counsell

Torey Lovullo: Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Nick Lovullo: Bench coach for Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate in Iowa

Bruce Dreckman: First-base umpire

WHAT:

Brady Counsell made his professional debut on March 5, 2026, during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs.

Brady was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

The Cubs won the game 8-1.

Brady entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning and drew a walk in the top of the eighth inning.

Craig Counsell and Brady exchanged lineup cards at home plate before the game.

WHERE:

Sloan Park, Mesa, Arizona

WHEN:

March 5, 2026: Date of the Spring Training game

2025: Year Brady was drafted by the Diamondbacks

WHY:

Craig Counsell expressed pride in witnessing his son's debut and reflected on the absence of his father, who passed away in December 2025.

HOW:

Craig Counsell received the lineup and travel squad from the Diamondbacks and sent a photo to his wife, Michelle, who already knew about Brady's inclusion.

Brady called his mother to inform her of his selection before telling his father.

QUOTES:

Craig Counsell: “He knew last night, but he didn’t tell me last night. He told his mom.”

Craig Counsell: “I’ll close my eyes and watch the video later.”

Brady Counsell: “I think I definitely have a lot more power than he did.”

Craig Counsell: “I really wish my dad could’ve been here to see it, for sure.”

In a touching moment for baseball families, Brady Counsell made his professional debut on March 5, 2026, during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs, who won decisively with a score of 8 to 1. The 22-year-old prospect, drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning and drew a walk in the eighth, while his father, Cubs manager Craig Counsell, expressed pride and a sense of loss, wishing his late father could have witnessed the milestone. Before the game at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, Craig and Brady shared a special moment exchanging lineup cards, with Craig reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the day, saying, “I really wish my dad could’ve been here to see it, for sure.”