Cubs’ Nico Hoerner makes sensational between-the-legs throw in instant highlight
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Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner did his best basketball impression by throwing the baseball between his legs to create a sensational play with the ball.
Hoerner showed off his defensive prowess in the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Astros catcher César Salazar attempted to strike out Cubs starting pitcher Colin Rea and open the inning with a single on Rea’s first pitch of the frame.
Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove winner, was attacked by Salazar. Salazar runs well, which limits Hoerner’s options as he receives the ball with his bare hand.
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Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner makes a play at second base during a game against the Houston Astros on May 22, 2026 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
They say necessity is the mother of invention.
In one move, the 29-year-old dragged his right leg behind him, creating an opening for him to throw the ball between his legs to first base, despite all the momentum coming toward the field. First baseman Michael Busch finished the game by reaching out and catching Hoerner’s dazzling throw to complete the highlight and strike out the speedy Salazar.
Hoerner’s between-the-legs throw brought back memories of New York Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon and Chicago White Sox Mark Buehrle, who both played similar types of games.
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner runs to the field before a game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on May 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)
Colon fielded Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour’s poor dribbler at the first base line and casually lobbed the ball behind him to complete the out.
Buehrle was struck in the foot by a returner and the ball bounced into foul territory on the first base side. He ran quickly and passed the ball between his legs with his glove to complete the out.
Like Colon and Buehrle, Hoerner’s fantasy play will be featured in highlight reels for a long time.
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Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs makes a play at second base during the game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on May 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for the Cubs, Hoerner’s standout play was one of several standout plays in their loss to the Astros.
The Cubs (29-23) will look to bounce back and hope to avoid the sweep when they face the Astros (22-31) in the final game of the three-game series on Sunday at 2:20 PM ET.
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