Although Grace was reared in Southern California, he lived in Chicago during most of his days with the Cubs and kept the residence even while spending the past three off-seasons in Phoenix. His deeper roots are Midwestern. It never seemed foreign to him. Chicago fans were fabulous, especially with their knowledge of the game. Mark and them were two of a kind - blue collar and Midwestern.
Every franchise has a player or two synonymous with the franchise.
And Grace didn't mind sharing the role. I'm the next guy who comes up. Chicago appreciated that. Grace was able to handle the media scrutiny that came with his fame. It's not like New York with Broadway or LA with their Hollywood.