Ben Zobrist recalls first Nico Hoerner impression in Cubs star’s MLB debut
Nico Hoerner is the definition of a “gamer.” He can contribute to the Chicago Cubs in almost any facet of the game.
Need a clutch hit? Hoerner can do that. Need someone to swipe a bag? Hoerner can do that.
Need someone to make a great defensive play? You guessed it — Hoerner can do that.
The Gold Glove infielder has been a “gamer” since he made his major league debut on Sept. 9, 2019, at San Diego’s Petco Park.
The Cubs were in playoff contention when shortstop Javy Báez was sidelined with a left thumb injury. Backup Addison Russell had been hit in the head by a pitch and was in concussion protocol.
Need someone to come off the couch at play shortstop in a pennant chase? Hoerner can do that.
With the Cubs back in San Diego this week, we looked back at Hoerner’s memorable first MLB game:
2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist was in the Cubs lineup that night and immediately took notice of Hoerner.
“You could see it in the eyes the day he walked in.” Zobrist wrote on Marquee Sports Network’s Instagram post about Hoerner’s debut. “Nico is a gamer! Was a privilege to play next to him his first game in SD!”
Hoerner was the Cubs’ first-round pick (24th overall) in the 2018 MLB Draft, and became the first player from his class to appear in a major League game on that 2019 night. He hit sixth in the lineup and went 3-for-5 with four RBI and two runs scored in a 10-2 Cubs win.
In fact, his debut went so well that he received ‘Ni-co! Ni-co!’ chants from visiting Cubs fans in attendance.
Hoerner continued to leave his mark, hitting his first career home run on the first pitch he saw at Wrigley Field three days later.
Although the Cubs came up short in their postseason hunt, Hoerner was impressive, hitting .282 with three home runs over 20 games down the stretch as a fill-in shortstop. Now he’s the Cubs’ regular second baseman and still making an impact.