Cubs backup catcher throws inning, gets win, scores winning run

John Baker's number should be retired after his night at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs played the longest game in franchise history on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, winning in the 16th inning, when backup catcher John Baker pitched a scoreless top of the 16th, led off the bottom-half with a walk, and scored on a sacrifice fly.

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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