In Pittsburgh, Closers are the ones who bat.

David Robertson, a reliever for the Cubs, didn't play in his first game until the 696th contest of his 14-year career. Who can blame him for grinning when he gets a hit?

The veteran reliever, who pitched a spotless eighth inning in the Cubs' 14-5 thrashing of the Pirates on Wednesday, snatched Yan Gomes' helmet and Christopher Morel's bat to see how the other half lives. In Robertson's words, it was a chance that "made my dream come true."

Before the position player entered the game, [manager David Ross and I] discussed it, according to Robertson. He could pinch-hit for the DH if I came in and the DH was up. So we discussed it. I didn't believe it would occur. To get me up there, we had to complete the entire process.

"And I promptly blew it. I failed!

Robertson had played in 695 games in his career as of Wednesday, which was fourth-most among players without a plate appearance, behind Buddy Groom (786), Joakim Soria (773), and Bryan Shaw (673). (722). He hadn't appeared on a plate since high school.

In addition, he interfered with a position player. You won't believe what happened when the Pirates sent second baseman Diego Castillo to the mound with a 10-1 deficit in the ninth inning: The Cubs gave Robertson his long-awaited at-bat by bringing seven men to the plate, including four with two outs.

He was likely about to have his first at-bat when Castillo noticed him grinning and thrilled.

"Good feeling. He has played in the majors for quite some time." I said, "Okay, let's see what happens." Let's see what he does if you throw the ball over the plate.

On-deck, Ross remarked, "He couldn't stop grinning." "Often, even throwing, it seems like he has a child's heart. I was enjoying it, and I'm sure his teammates were, too. I enjoyed it."

Robertson worked the count complete after falling behind 1-2 like the skilled hitter he is. Robertson, however, made a strong swing at a fastball traveling at 50.7 mph and came up empty. However, he grinned as he exited the batter's box and informed his dugout, "I wasn't not going to swing."

When the ball travels at 40 mph, it is simple to predict whether it will be a ball or a strike, but Robertson decided against walking. "I intended to swing. I had to give it a shot. I'm pleased I had the chance since I don't know if I'll ever get another one.

The.000 on his career line is hardly significant. In addition to having the recollection, he received the game's lineup card as a reward for his great whiff-filled at-bat.

Said, it's a good time, according to Robertson. "I am called out in the dugout, get the lineup card from my first at-bat, and then get told how awful I am after the game. We enjoyed ourselves a lot. Having days like that is pleasant.