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

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.

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:

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.