Wed Apr 02 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Cubs Catcher Carson Kelly Achieves Rare Feat, Hits for the Cycle in Rout of A’s
**WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.** – Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly etched his name into baseball history Monday night, becoming the first Cubs player in 32 years to hit for the cycle. His achievement ended the longest drought without a cycle by any National League team.
Kelly’s cycle, completed with a game-changing triple in the eighth inning of an 18-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics, was even more remarkable given his limited history with triples. Prior to Monday, the 30-year-old had only two triples in his ten-year major league career.
The feat unfolded dramatically. Kelly homered in the fourth, singled in the fifth, doubled in the sixth, and then, after walking twice earlier in the game, legged out the crucial triple in the eighth. The triple, which scored a run, made the score 17-3. He even joked about using a “one and done” new bat for the occasion.
His performance was not only historic for the Cubs franchise – the last player to achieve the cycle was Mark Grace in 1993 – but also noteworthy in broader MLB context. ESPN Research reports Kelly as the first player to hit for the cycle in March and only the 17th catcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat. He’s also just the third major leaguer to hit for the cycle and walk twice in the same game.
Kelly expressed his disbelief and joy, attributing his success to hard work and the support of his teammates. Manager Craig Counsell also highlighted the rarity and significance of the achievement, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime-type day” for a player. Kelly plans to reach out to Mark Grace to share the news of his accomplishment. The game was played at Sutter Health Park, the Athletics’ new minor league ballpark. The Royals currently hold the longest active cycle drought in Major League Baseball.
First Piper 