The Chicago Cubs probably aren't catching the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead, but any September loss to a division rival is a tough one to swallow. And on Wednesday, Cubs' reliever Trent Thornton let his emotions out in a big, viral way after being pulled in the midst of a tough fifth inning.
Thornton entered Wednesday night's game at the top of the fourth and was able to get a strikeout to end a tough inning for the Cubs that saw starter David Peterson surrender Chicago's two-run lead to Milwaukee. An inning later, Thornton returned to the mound but recorded just one out before trouble struck. A walk and two singles later, the Brewers had the bases loaded and were looking to tack on more runs.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell then pulled
Thornton from the game before any more damage could be done. On his way back into the dugout, however, Thornton threw his glove at the bench before screaming two clear expletives that were caught by the broadcast in a viral moment.
Cubs pitcher Trent Thornton has provided us with an all-time reaction video pic.twitter.com/h1zvYfn67x
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 3, 2026
"He is ... upset" indeed.
It wasn't long after that Thornton's dugout meltdown went viral on social media, sparking instant memes from baseball fans.
My kids when I tell them "no, the other kids aren't cheating or hacking fortnite. They are just better than you." https://t.co/HLbqSlOwsR
— Gian-Marc Antonio Capaccioli (@gmac817) September 3, 2026
I can’t stop watching this😂😂😂 it’s like me on football Sundays https://t.co/mn0baflqH7
— Cullen P (@cjamesp01) September 3, 2026
when I just miss the light that doesn't change again for three minutes
— Steve Ferra (@abpow.bsky.social) 2026-09-03T15:56:01.479Z
me when the most infinitesimally small thing goes awry
— Steve Peli (@stevepeli.bsky.social) 2026-09-03T15:51:19.456Z
My dog when he sees the mailman
— Razzball (@razzball.bsky.social) 2026-09-03T15:50:57.134Z
when my work comp crashes and i didnt save
— Nick with the ‘MCA on the cover of Midnight Marauders’ avatar (@bridgemusicbunker.bsky.social) 2026-09-03T15:44:48.697Z
It's safe to say Thornton's reaction to being pulled will live on as a popular and relatable online reaction meme.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cubs reliever's viral dugout meltdown becomes immediate meme
