Check out Christopher Morel's 118-year first for Cubs originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
CINCINNATI — Cubs rookie Chris Morel, who debuted last week with a home run in his first big-league at-bat, pulled off a 118-year first for the Cubs Monday night as soon as he took the field against the Reds.
Morel, who singled and scored in the Cubs’ three-run seventh Monday night, started for the Cubs at shortstop in the opener of the four-game series — his fourth defensive position in five career big-league starts.
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Morel also has started at third base, second base and centerfield.
Only one other player in modern franchise history (since 1901) has done that: Solly Hofman in 1904 (thanks to Cubs historian Ed Hartig for the research).
Hofman’s first four games as a Cub that year were starts at short, left, center and right.
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"I can play everywhere," said Morel, who finished Monday's 7-4 victory at second base. "I just want to make sure I play good and play for my team. No matter what position I play, I need to play good."
Morel didn't have the Cubs' only impressive flex on Monday.
Patrick Wisdom, last year's slugging rookie surprise, hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning Monday, the fourth consecutive game in which he has homered.
The last Cub to do that was Anthony Rizzo in 2015.
"It's a lot of fun," Wisdom said. "It's obviously better when we're winning, and I can put us on the board with runs. It's just way better when we win and this is going on. I'll take it."
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