5 Stunning Facts From Kris Bryant's Historic Monday

The Chicago Cubs saw Kris Bryant put on quite a show on Monday night, and he made history in a variety of ways at the Great American Ballpark

All eyes were on Jake Arrieta as he returned to Cincinnati for the first time since throwing a no-hitter there earlier this season, but Kris Bryant stole the show for the Chicago Cubs in a dazzling 11-8 win.

That’s because Bryant set a slew of records in the game, hitting several historic milestones as he pounded three home runs and drove in six RBI in the victory for the Cubs.

Double the Pleasure

Bryant’s three home runs were impressive enough, but he collected two doubles in the game as well, making him the only player in the game’s modern era (since 1900) to hit three homers and two doubles in the same game.

Versatility, Thy Name is Kris

Bryant has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Cubs this season, and on Monday he showed his defensive versatility again as he played both left and right field after starting the game at third base. According to ESPN’s Stats and Info, Bryant is the only player in the last 100 years to hit three home runs and play at least three different positions in a single game.

Move Aside, Mr. Cub

Ernie Banks was just 10 days away from retaining his title as the youngest Cubs player to ever hit three home runs in a game, but Bryant had other ideas on Monday night. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Bryant now holds that title, accomplishing the feat at 24 years and 175 days old. Banks was 24 years and 185 days old when he socked three dingers in a game during the 1955 season.

Gimme Five!

Bryant’s five extra base hits in a game were impressive in their own right, and he became the second Cubs player to ever reach that milestone. The last one? George Gore, who played for the Cubs all the way back in 1885. In a game in July of that year, Gore socked three doubles and two triples for the team, back when they were still known by their original name: the Chicago White Stockings.

Déjà vu for Mr. Arrieta

The last time a player had 16 or more total bases in a game was back in May 2012, when Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton clubbed four home runs and a double to rack up 18 total bases. The first two home runs and the double that Hamilton hit on that remarkable day came off of a familiar face for Cubs fans, as Jake Arrieta was the unlucky pitcher on the hill that day for the Baltimore Orioles. 

Contact Us