The NL Central-leading Cubs called up 24-year-old catcher Willson Contreras after just 54 games in Triple-A and immediately tossed him into the fire Friday night, inserting him into the game in the ninth inning against the Pirates. The top prospect was given a standing ovation by the fans in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.
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“Oh my gosh, it was an amazing feeling,” Contreras said after a 6-0 win (via CBS Chicago). “That was the best feeling that I’ve ever felt. I can’t describe it, I can’t explain it. I have no words to say.”
Contreras batted .350 with 16 doubles, nine homers and three triples in 54 games with the Iowa Cubs. He was enjoying a 20-game hit streak when he got the call.
“My first thought was, ‘Wow, now is my time,’” Contreras told the Chicago Tribune of his call-up. “I just can’t believe my dream came true and now I’m here. What I dreamed since I was a kid.
“From now on, (the Cubs) are going to have a really nice player.”
And for a team eyeing a World Series title, veteran catchers David Ross and Miguel Montero will happily groom the team’s future behind the plate.
“The prodigy is here,” Ross said.
