Former Chicago Cubs star Jake Arrieta walked out of the Principal Park clubhouse on Aug. 29 and looked around the stadium. Arrieta, who briefly played for the Iowa Cubs in 2013, was reminded of perhaps one of the most important times in his career.

“I needed that time,” Arrieta said. “I needed the month or so here to kind of get things finely tuned and get ready to go compete and help the Cubs win.”

The time in Iowa helped Arrieta regain his footing and set the stage for what turned out to be a prolific pitching career. Arrieta was back in town this week to compete in Home Run Derby X at Principal Park on Aug. 30 .

“It's been quite some time but it kind of feels like yesterday,” Arrieta said. “It really does.”

Arrieta began his career as a big-time pitching prospect for the Baltimo

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