Cubs celebrate Amaya’s ‘special’ role in no-hitter

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO -- After the final out was in the books on Wednesday night, securing the 18th no-hitter in the long, storied annals of the Cubs, catcher Miguel Amaya embraced rookie pitcher Porter Hodge on the infield. Amaya then held his glove over his face for several seconds, as emotions took over.

“Tears were coming down,” Amaya said.

Understandably, pitchers wind up in the spotlight in the wake of an historic performance such as the Cubs’ no-hitter in the 12-0 win over the Pirates. In this instance, it was a brilliant seven-inning start by Shota Imanaga and one clean inning apiece from Nate Pearson and Hodge that sealed Chicago’s place in history.

The combined no-hitter was also a night that showcased the continued growth behind the plate for the 25-year-old Amaya, who is navigating his first full season as the No. 1 catcher. Immediately following the win, the doors to the Cubs’ clubhouse were closed, but loud cheers could be heard by the players celebrating not only the arms involved, but Amaya’s role in the achievement.

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“It’s just as significant for the catcher. It really is,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after the no-hitter. “And I know Miggy’s in there and he’s rightfully very proud. It’s a special game for a catcher to be a part of. And really, the guys in there are celebrating Miggy as much as Shota and Nate and Porter. Miggy deserves a lot of credit.”

Amaya’s recent offensive strides have been well-documented, as the catcher turned the page on a rough showing through June with an .872 OPS in July, followed by a .924 OPS in August. Through the ups and downs, he has earned rave reviews from Counsell and teammates for his game-calling ability and his ability to build rapport with the staff.

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The Cubs boast the fourth-best ERA (3.78) in the National League this season with Amaya doing the bulk of the catching.

“His growth in so many ways this season has been really, really cool,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “That’s a big responsibility for a young guy to learn how to handle a staff, how to understand how their stuff moves, how to get to know and learn guys and how to get the best out of them. … He’s really, really taken responsibility and pride in being that guy.”

Imanaga praised Amaya’s decision-making after the no-hitter, too.

“Miggy always studies the hitters,” Imanaga said via his interpreter, Edwin Stanberry. “There were a few occasions [against the Pirates] where there was a specific pitch I wanted to throw. Miggy had a different sign and I just trusted him, and it worked out. And that happened a few times. He’s very important to this team and I can’t thank him enough.”

After the win, Amaya held a baseball used in the no-hitter and posed for a photo with all three pitchers involved in the historic win. They each signed the ball, which is headed to the Hall of Fame. Amaya was grateful to be a part of such a special moment in Cubs history.

“It feels so special,” Amaya said. “They executed every single pitch wherever I put my glove in there. It’s so special. Everybody did their thing, and I’m just proud of all of these guys.”