Cubs rookie joins rare club after first major-league at-bat
Every rookie remembers their first major-league at-bat. Everything they’ve worked for over the years has led to this one moment. And now that they have finally reached their goal, it’s important to cherish that moment forever, even if the at-bat is a game-ending strikeout.
Chicago Cubs rookie catcher Willson Contreras was always going to remember his first major-league at-bat regardless of the result. When he finally got his opportunity, he made sure everyone else would remember the at-bat as well.
Contreras got that opportunity during Sunday night’s contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 24-year-old rookie appeared as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning, and made the most of his opportunity. On the first pitch he saw, Contreras smacked a two-run homer to center field.
With the hit, Contreras became the 115th player to hit a home run in their first major-league at-bat. He’s the first rookie to accomplish the feat since Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris. Norris hit a home run during an interleague game against the Cubs last August.
While the feat is certainly impressive, it doesn’t say much about whether Contreras will be a successful major-league player. The list of guys who have hit home runs in their first major-league at-bat varies.
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Starling Marte, Jason Heyward and Jermaine Dye each accomplished the feat, and turned into strong major-league players. Elijah Dukes, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Josh Fields also managed to go yard in their first taste of the majors. Aside from Dukes, who is known for his off the field issues, those guys aren’t really household names.
Still, that shouldn’t take away from Contreras’ moment. His first at-bat in the majors was historic, only a few players can say that.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
