Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Hollywood Connection: Mom Ashley Crow Starred in ‘Little Big League’

Introduction

Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs’ electrifying outfielder, is turning heads with his blazing 17-game stretch, hitting 9 home runs, stealing 6 bases, and driving in 21 RBIs. But there’s another story stealing the spotlight: his mother, Ashley Crow, played Jenny Heywood, the mom in the 1994 baseball classic Little Big League. This Hollywood connection adds a fascinating layer to Crow-Armstrong’s rise. Is this a full-circle moment for a baseball family, or just a fun coincidence? Let’s explore.

A Star on the Field and a Hollywood Legacy

Crow-Armstrong’s recent performance is nothing short of spectacular. According to MLB.com, he’s the first Cubs player since Kris Bryant (2019) to record 9+ HRs and 21+ RBIs in a 17-game span, and the only one ever to add 6+ stolen bases in that stretch. His .871 OPS, 2.2 fWAR, and league-leading 7 Outs Above Average showcase his five-tool prowess. But off the field, his family’s Hollywood ties are equally compelling.

Ashley Crow, Pete’s mother, starred as Jenny Heywood in Little Big League, a film about a 12-year-old who inherits and manages the Minnesota Twins. Released nearly 30 years ago, the movie holds a special place for Pete, who told the Los Angeles Times in 2020, “I love that movie, regardless of my mom being in it.” The coincidence is uncanny: Ashley played a fictional baseball mom, and now she’s the real-life mother of an MLB star. Posts on X have called it a “full-circle moment,” with fans buzzing over the serendipity.

Ashley Crow’s Acting Career

Ashley Crow, born in Birmingham, Alabama, has a robust acting resume beyond Little Big League. With 47 IMDb credits, she’s appeared in films like Minority Report and TV shows including Heroes, where she met her husband, Matthew John Armstrong, Pete’s father. Matthew, also an actor with roles in House and American Horror Story, adds to the family’s showbiz flair. Their son, born eight years after Little Big League’s release, grew up with a unique blend of Hollywood and baseball influences.

Pete’s connection to Little Big League was noted as early as his 2020 MLB Draft selection by the New York Mets, with outlets like SNY tweeting, “Fun fact: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s mother, Ashley Crow, was the mom in Little Big League.” His trade to the Cubs in 2021 for Javier Báez only amplified the narrative, as Chicago embraced the top prospect and his cinematic roots.

From Silver Screen to Wrigley Field

Crow-Armstrong’s journey mirrors a Hollywood script. Drafted 19th overall in 2020, he debuted with the Cubs in 2023, pinch-running and laying down a sacrifice bunt against the Rockies. His defensive wizardry—ranked among the minors’ best—and newfound power (20 HRs in the minors in 2023) have experts like ESPN’s Jesse Rogers calling him a “game-changer.” His recent tear, including a .455 average with 4 HRs against the Dodgers, proves he’s no fluke.

Ashley was there for Pete’s MLB debut, sharing a heartfelt embrace at Coors Field, a moment captured by Marquee Sports Network. Fans on X marveled, with one posting, “Smells like a sequel!” The parallel between Ashley’s on-screen role and her real-life support for Pete has sparked nostalgia for Little Big League fans.

What’s Next for Crow-Armstrong?

At 23, Crow-Armstrong’s ceiling is sky-high. His 99th-percentile sprint speed and Gold Glove-caliber defense make him a Cubs cornerstone. But his .237 career batting average and 14.7% multi-strikeout rate suggest room for growth. If he refines his approach, projections of 30+ HRs and 60+ SBs aren’t far-fetched.

Conclusion

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Hollywood connection—his mom Ashley Crow’s iconic role in Little Big League—adds a magical twist to his MLB ascent. As he dazzles with 9 HRs, 6 SBs, and 21 RBIs in 17 games, the Cubs star is writing his own blockbuster. Is this a storybook beginning or a fleeting cameo? Share your thoughts below!