Veteran catcher joins rare MLB group in Cubs' comeback win

Chicago Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Recently released catcher joins rare MLB group in Cubs' remarkable comeback win

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Aug 28, 2024 6:38 PM ET

Roughly two months after being released, veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt joined a rare group, playing a massive role in a 14-10 come-from-behind victory by the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

According to Stathead, Bethancourt is only the fifth catcher in MLB history to have at least three hits and knock in seven or more runs in a game while batting in the ninth position. The 32-year-old joins a list that includes Mike Zunino (2017), Charles Johnson (2000), Joe Girardi (1999) and Jerry Grote (1981).

7 RBI for Christian Bethancourt and the @Cubs have stormed back from 7 runs down to take the lead pic.twitter.com/uwV9NhA47U
— MLB (@MLB) August 28, 2024

Before the National League adopted the designated hitter in 2022, pitchers predominantly batted last in the order, while lighter-hitting backstops like Bethancourt batted ahead of them in many cases. However, even considering that, the achievement is still impressive as only 10 catchers have posted a game with at least three hits and seven RBI batting out of the eighth position.

Meanwhile, Bethancourt is the 49th catcher, regardless of their spot in the lineup, to accomplish the feat. He's the third to do so this season, alongside Detroit Tigers' Jake Rogers and J.T. Realmuto of the Philadephia Phillies.

It's been a heck of a come-up for Bethancourt. Released on June 27 by the Miami Marlins, he's found a groove with the North Siders, albeit in limited action.

In 38 games with the Marlins, Bethancourt recorded two home runs and eight RBI, batting .159/.198/.268. Since joining the Cubs on July 5, he's slashing .407/.448/.889 with three long balls and 15 RBI over 11 contests.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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