MESA, Ariz. -- The young Cubs on Friday got a chance to give bear hugs to a pair of young cubs, who may someday be named after two players on the Major League team.
The cubs, now 3 months old, were born at the conservation center "Bearizona" in Williams, Ariz., and were allowed to run on the grass at the Cubs' complex before Friday's morning stretch.
Adorable bear cubs arrive at Cubs camp
Cubs manager Joe Maddon is trying to create a clever contest for fans to name the two cubs, who will someday grow into 550- to 600-pound bears.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein joined the players as they passed the cubs around for photos with the animals. First baseman Anthony Rizzo was happy sitting on the grass and playing with the two furry critters.
"You guys go ahead, I'll stay here," Rizzo said as he cuddled the two cubs.
The appearance was made possible through a donation to Treasure House of Glendale, which provides a home for young adults with disabilities.