Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher has multi-homerun game in Chicago Cubs debut joins rare company
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/player/reese-mcguire
Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire made quite a first impression on his new team as he hit two home runs on the same day he is selected by the Chicago Cubs.
McGuire wanted to show he still has what it takes to be a contributor on a big league team. And did he ever.
Reese McGuire joins rare company
McGuire became only the third player since 1901 with a two-homer game in his first game with the Cubs, joining Jim Marshall in the first game of a doubleheader on Aug. 24, 1958 against Philadelphia and Earl Webb on April 12, 1927 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
McGuire had a sense of timing and drama Sunday, belting his second homer of the game to spark a four-run eighth that rallied the Cubs past the Reds, 11-8, at Great American Ball Park.
«It's kind of a dream come true, to kind of be able to put together a first game like that and help win the series,» McGuire told Mike Petraglia of MLB.com. «And that's what this team has been doing since I've been watching them, is win a lot of series lately.»
McGuire became emotional in both a postgame on-field interview with Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports and again in front of his locker minutes later, talking about the process of going through the Minor Leagues this year to return to the Majors for the first time since last July with the Red Sox.
«I'm just thankful for the opportunity,» McGuire said in the victorious clubhouse. «Never give up on your dream, because this game can battle-test you, for sure. And yeah, I'm just happy that I have family supporting, and, yeah, I'm getting emotional now again. But never give up on your dream and just keep believing in yourself.»
In 22 appearances for Triple-A Iowa, he slashed .280/.360/.467 with three home runs, 19 RBIs.
McGuire has a career .252/.300/.364 slash line over eight seasons with the Blue Jays, White Sox and Red Sox.
«I'm a confident player, and always believe that I belong in this league,» McGuire said before Sunday's game. «So, I was ready with Triple-A for that opportunity down there to just make the most of the games that I'm in and continue to hone in my skills and be ready for moments like this and moments beyond.»
It's nice to see former Blue Jays catcher Resse McGuire get another shot in the show, hopefully he can stay healthy and keep producing at the major league level.
| POLL | ||
MAI 27 | 107 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays catcher has multi-homerun game in Chicago Cubs debut joins rare company Do you think Reese McGuire can still consistently produce at the MLB Level? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 48.6 % |
| No | 55 | 51.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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