Cubs' 2016 Game 7 Made Baseball History With 3 Catchers
In the most famous World Series game ever played, the Chicago Cubs didn't just break a 108-year curse. They also became the only team in baseball history to have three catchers all record hits and RBIs in a single World Series game.
When the Chicago Cubs finally ended their 108-year championship drought in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, fans celebrated one of sports' greatest moments. But hidden inside that legendary 10-inning victory was a statistical miracle that had never happened before and may never happen again.
Only four times in 670 World Series games have three catchers appeared for the same team in a single contest. But on that November night in Cleveland, the Cubs became the only team in history to have all three catchers get a hit and drive in a run.
Manager Joe Maddon orchestrated the historic feat by design. He started 24-year-old rookie Willson Contreras to catch Kyle Hendricks through the first five innings. Contreras delivered a crucial RBI double in the fourth inning as the Cubs built a 5-1 lead.
When lefty Jon Lester entered the game in the fifth, Maddon made his planned move. He brought in 39-year-old David Ross, who was catching the final game of his career and serving as Lester's personal batterymate all season.
Ross nearly derailed the plan immediately. He threw wildly to first base on a dribbler and took a curveball off his helmet, allowing two runs to score. The defensive specialist was suddenly Chicago's biggest liability.
Why This Inspires
Ross redeemed himself in spectacular fashion the next inning. He crushed a home run to right-center field, the final homer of his 15-year career, giving the Cubs breathing room at 6-3.
When Lester exited in the eighth inning, Maddon completed his plan by bringing in Miguel Montero as his third catcher. With two runners on and one out in a tie game, Montero delivered the most pressure-packed at-bat of the trio, drawing a crucial walk to load the bases.
The Cubs scored twice that inning and held on to win 8-7 in 10 innings. Contreras, Ross, and Montero had each contributed offensively in ways both planned and improvised.
"We didn't care about our stats," Ross recalled years later. "Miggy had a guaranteed contract, and Willson was excited to be part of the group." That selfless approach helped three catchers share one of baseball's rarest achievements.
The record stands alone nearly a decade later, a hidden gem of baseball history that happened during its brightest spotlight.
More Images
Based on reporting by ESPN
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
