NEW YORK — Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson didn’t try to suppress his smile and joy discussing the life-changing news.
Swanson jointly announced with his wife and Chicago Stars striker, Mallory, in an Instagram post Wednesday that they are expecting their first child. The decision to publicly share the news is part of what can be a tough balance of being in the limelight and sharing something so personal yet understanding the support that exists from fans of their teams.
“Especially the kind of legacy that she’s creating and has created already, plus whatever I’ve done to compare to that, and we already are very private people and like to keep things really private, but being able to share this with everyone is obviously such an incredible blessing, we’re just so thankful and grateful to have this opportunity, it is really cool,” Swanson told the Tribune. “We were talking about the other day just how the pouring outreach and love from so many people, it’s really amazing.
“There’s a lot of people that care about us, the health of our baby they’re praying for us, all the things, and it’s just really neat and special.”
The Swansons met in 2017 and married in December 2022. Shortly after, Dansby signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Cubs, and Mallory in January 2024 signed a deal to stay with the Stars for a reported five years and $2 million.
Mallory, coming off a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics in which she scored the winning goal for the United States to capture the gold medal, hasn’t played for the Stars this season. She issued a statement Jan. 27 that she would not be part of training camp due to “personal reasons.”
After a rough April offensively, Swanson has been locked in at the plate through the Cubs’ first eight games in May, during which the 31-year-old is hitting .357 with a .419 on-base percentage, two doubles, two home runs and four RBIs. Their careers as professional athletes can be demanding, especially with the attention that comes with playing in a big market like Chicago. Becoming first-time parents is demanding in a much different way.
“I’ve always taken the role as a husband of doing whatever I can for her very seriously,” Swanson said. “I’m available for anything and everything she needs. Whatever that looks like, I’m willing to do. So it’s obviously different for us, but we’re very glad. It’s a good thing.”
Dansby said he and Mallory, 27, are looking forward to their child being able to watch them play some day.
“It’s just pretty amazing,” Swanson said. “We’ve all seen guys on teams that have had kids and just the excitement and joy both sides get out of being able to be around one another is so cool.
“It’s just another amazing part of our journey together.”
