On Monday night, Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs achieved a historic feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming the first Cubs player in 32 years to do so. His triple in the eighth inning sealed the rare accomplishment during an 18-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
This cycle ended the longest drought for any National League team without a player hitting for the cycle. Prior to this game, Kelly had only two career triples over his 10-year Major League Baseball (MLB) tenure.
Carson Kelly Breaks Cubs’ 32-Year Cycle Drought with Rare Achievement
Kelly had previously come close to hitting for the cycle but was always held back by the elusive triple. With just two triples in his entire career, Kelly was aware of the odds against him. Reflecting on past attempts, he was determined to take a good at-bat and make the most of the opportunity when he finally hit his triple.
The ball ricocheted off the right-center wall, and Kelly’s quick thinking and sprinting allowed him to complete the cycle, much to the excitement of his teammates.
Carson Kelly (MLB)The Cubs’ previous cycle came from Mark Grace on May 9, 1993, against San Diego—well before Kelly was even born. Since then, the Cubs have experienced 342 near-cycles, with players falling short of the required hits.
Kelly’s achievement was monumental, as he became the first Cubs player to hit for the cycle in over three decades. This accomplishment places him among a rare group of MLB players, particularly as he is the first to do so in March, and just the 17th catcher to ever hit for the cycle.
Kelly Becomes First Cubs Catcher in 59 Years to Hit for the Cycle
Notably, Kelly’s cycle was even more historic for Cubs catchers. He became the first Cubs catcher to hit for the cycle since Randy Hundley did so in 1966.
Beyond his own team’s history, Kelly also became the third player in MLB history to hit for the cycle while walking twice in the same game, joining Joe Gordon and Mickey Cochrane in that elite company. This rare feat made Kelly’s achievement even more impressive, adding an extra layer to his historic night.
After the game, Kelly reflected on the rare nature of his accomplishment. He humorously shared that he had used a new bat that day, joking it was a “one and done” for that bat. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted the rare excitement in the dugout when Kelly hit the triple, as the players realized a cycle was in reach.
Kelly himself was both thrilled and humbled by the achievement, expressing gratitude for his teammates’ support and acknowledging how special it was to join the ranks of baseball history.
