The Cubs played the longest game in franchise history on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, winning after 6 hours, 27 minutes in the 16th inning, when backup catcher John Baker pitched a scoreless top of the inning before leading o ff the bottom half with a walk and scoring on a sacrifice fly.
Cubs backup catcher throws inning, gets win, scores winning run
John Baker’s number should be retired after his night at Wrigley Field.
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
There are so very few chances for backup catchers to become legends. In 50 years, though, some grizzly fellow in the left-field bleachers will yell John Baker’s name, and the crowd around him will toast frothy mugs of moon ale in his honor. Here’s Baker getting a double play to get out of the top of the 16th:
Here he is scoring the winning run:
A list of the 10 most recent position players to get a win:
| Player | Date | Tm |
| Chris Davis | 2012-05-06 | BAL |
| Wilson Valdez | 2011-05-25 | PHI |
| Brent Mayne | 2000-08-22 | COL |
| Rocky Colavito | 1968-08-25 (1) | NYY |
| Willie Smith | 1964-05-06 | LAA |
| Willie Smith | 1963-07-19 | DET |
| Eddie O'Brien | 1957-09-14 (1) | PIT |
| Johnny O'Brien | 1956-07-03 | PIT |
| Jimmie Foxx | 1945-08-19 (2) | PHI |
| Lefty O'Doul | 1923-04-26 | BOS |
All of the box scores are worth clicking on, especially the one where Brent Mayne vanquishes the evil John Rocker.
John Baker, you are suddenly a Cubs legend. Enjoy the free pizza-related casserole at every Chicago pizzeria for the rest of your life.
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