Chicago Cubs fans and the entire MLB community were left heartbroken on Saturday as beloved Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared deeply personal and painful news: his teenage daughter, Anna Counsell, has been diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening neurological illness. What unfolded next wasn’t just a baseball moment—it was a moment of raw humanity that united teams, fans, and rivals across the league.
“This Is the Hardest Thing My Family Has Ever Faced”
In a statement released by the Cubs and later expanded in a press conference at Wrigley Field, Counsell—normally calm and analytical in the dugout—spoke not as a manager, but as a grieving father.
“This is the hardest thing my family has ever faced,” Counsell said, holding back tears. “My daughter Anna has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. We’re scared, but we’re standing together—and we’re ready to fight.”
The announcement struck a powerful emotional chord throughout Major League Baseball. Within hours, messages of love, prayer, and solidarity poured in from players, managers, fans, and even league executives.
According to the Counsell family’s official statement, 16-year-old Anna has been diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, a rare condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells. Symptoms can include seizures, memory loss, cognitive decline, and confusion.
“Anna is a bright, compassionate, fiercely strong young woman,” Craig shared. “She’s been battling symptoms quietly for a while now, but the official diagnosis was still a shock. Now that we know what we’re up against, we’re focused on giving her the best care possible.”
Anna, an accomplished high school soccer player and active student, is currently undergoing aggressive treatment at a top medical facility in Chicago. Her mother, Michelle Counsell, and the rest of the family have remained by her side.
The news reverberated instantly within the Cubs organization. President Jed Hoyer offered a public statement within minutes of Counsell’s announcement.
“Craig is the heart of this team, and right now, his heart is with his daughter. We are all behind him 1,000 percent. Baseball is important, but family is everything.”
On Saturday, players honored Anna by wearing “Team Anna” wristbands during the game against the Brewers. The crowd at Wrigley Field observed a moment of silence before first pitch, many fans holding signs like “We Love You, Anna” and “Counsell Strong.” The usually spirited ballpark was united in solemn support.
Veteran shortstop Dansby Swanson became emotional after the game:
“We all see Craig as this steady, brilliant leader—but today, we saw the father in him. And we’re rallying around him and Anna with everything we’ve got.”
League-Wide Love: “We’re All on Team Anna”
The emotional ripple extended far beyond Chicago. Dugouts from New York to Los Angeles joined in expressing love and encouragement.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a heartfelt statement late Saturday:
“Our hearts go out to Craig Counsell, his daughter Anna, and the entire Counsell family. The entire MLB family stands with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
Social media lit up with the hashtag #PrayersForAnna, as baseball fans shared words of hope and personal stories of overcoming adversity.
One of the most touching tributes came from Pat Murphy, current manager of the Brewers and Counsell’s longtime friend and mentor. Fighting back emotion in a postgame interview, Murphy said:
“I’ve known Craig since he was a teenager. I know his family. This breaks my heart. But if anyone can lead their family through this, it’s him.”
Counsell is expected to take intermittent leave from the Cubs over the coming weeks to be present for Anna’s treatment. Bench coach Andy Green will step in during any absences.
“The team comes second now,” said veteran catcher Yan Gomes. “Whatever Craig needs, we’ve got his back.”
Meanwhile, fans have launched a GoFundMe campaign, not for medical expenses, but to support research and awareness for autoimmune encephalitis. In less than 24 hours, over $300,000 has been raised.
Craig Counsell, a two-time World Series champion and respected strategist, has built his career on staying calm under pressure. But even he admits this is something no game has prepared him for.
“We don’t know what the road looks like yet,” Counsell said. “But Anna is a warrior. And I’m proud to be her dad.”
In a sport where strength is often measured in stats and strategy, the Counsell family is showing a different kind of courage—the kind that inspires beyond the ballpark.
The Chicago Cubs may be fighting for a postseason berth, but for now, the entire city—and the world of baseball—is fighting for Anna.