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How Dansby Swanson’s Cubs signing reunited two Georgia families

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Shortstop Dansby Swanson is flanked by Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins (left) and president Jed Hoyer during his introductory news conference in December.

Back when Dansby Swanson was weighing his college options, his father, Cooter, made a call to one of the dads from his older son Chase’s travel-ball days.

Cooter Swanson and Scott Hawkins had spent many games together in the bleachers supporting their respective teenage sons, Chase and Carter, and East Cobb. Hawkins kept score. Swanson enjoyed talking baseball with him.

Dansby was only 7 or 8 at the time, off playing for his own team.