Three Cubs Catchers Make History in 2016 World Series Game 7

Willson Contreras, David Ross, and Miguel Montero each contributed a hit and RBI in the Cubs' championship-clinching victory.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:00am

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping elements of a baseball game, including players, equipment, and stadium features, conveying the multi-faceted nature of the Cubs' World Series victory.The Cubs' three catchers - Willson Contreras, David Ross, and Miguel Montero - each made crucial contributions to the team's historic 2016 World Series championship, a feat of depth and resilience that captivated Chicago.Chicago Today

In the thrilling Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, the Chicago Cubs overcame a late Cleveland Indians comeback to win their first title in 108 years. What made the victory even more unique was the role played by the Cubs' three catchers - Willson Contreras, David Ross, and Miguel Montero - who each recorded a hit and RBI, a feat that had never before been accomplished in World Series history.

Why it matters

The Cubs' 2016 World Series triumph ended a historic drought and captivated the city of Chicago. The contributions of the three catchers, who each played a crucial part in the victory despite their differing roles, added an extra layer of significance to the team's championship win.

The details

Cubs manager Joe Maddon had a specific plan for using his three catchers in Game 7. Rookie Willson Contreras started behind the plate and drove in a run with a fourth-inning double. Veteran David Ross, in his final career game, replaced Contreras in the fifth inning and hit a solo home run in the eighth to give the Cubs a crucial insurance run. When the game went to the ninth inning tied, Maddon turned to Miguel Montero, who had limited playing time in the postseason, to catch closer Aroldis Chapman and deliver an RBI single in the 10th inning that proved to be the game-winner.

  • Willson Contreras drove in a run with a fourth-inning double.
  • David Ross hit a solo home run in the eighth inning.
  • Miguel Montero delivered an RBI single in the 10th inning.

The players

Willson Contreras

A 24-year-old rookie catcher who started Game 7 and drove in a run with a fourth-inning double.

David Ross

A 39-year-old veteran catcher in his final career game, who replaced Contreras in the fifth inning and hit a solo home run in the eighth.

Miguel Montero

A catcher who had limited playing time in the postseason, but came through with an RBI single in the 10th inning to give the Cubs the lead.

Joe Maddon

The Cubs' manager, who devised a plan to utilize all three of his catchers in Game 7.

Mike Borzello

The Cubs' game planner, who helped prepare Montero for his crucial ninth-inning appearance.

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What they’re saying

“For him to be a rookie, starting Game 7, was pretty insane now that I look back on it. He was really young.”

— David Ross, Cubs Catcher

“He was not intimidated by the moment. A street fighter who put his passion on right after brushing his teeth. I trusted him. He played hard and wanted to win. May have been young but he was a huge part of us getting through Game 7.”

— Joe Maddon, Cubs Manager

“The fact that all three guys were able to handle their role and contribute on both sides of the ball is incredible.”

— Mike Borzello, Cubs Game Planner

What’s next

The Cubs will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 World Series championship this weekend with a special ceremony honoring the team.

The takeaway

The unique contributions of the Cubs' three catchers in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series - a feat never before accomplished in the Fall Classic - underscored the team's depth, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity to end their historic championship drought.