Historic Debut Homers
Cardinals' Joshua Báez Makes History with Three Homers in Unprecedented Major League Debut
Joshua Báez made history on his very first day in the majors. The St. Louis Cardinals outfielder hit three home runs in his first three at-bats on Friday, leading St. Louis to an 8-4 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Yahoo Sports reported that Báez smashed the first pitch he saw in the big leagues about 450 feet, then flashed a grin at the Cardinals dugout. "There was a calmness and a smile, like, 'I'm here,'" according to Yahoo Sports.
Major League Baseball called it the first time in modern baseball history that a player hit a home run in each of his first three at-bats on debut day, according to Houston Chronicle. Báez had just been called up from Triple-A Memphis. To top it off, he had 30 family members in the stands to watch it happen.
Three Home Runs Before Anyone Knew His Name
Báez did not ease into the moment. He hit a home run on the very first pitch he saw in the majors. Then he did it again in his second at-bat. Then again in his third. Three at-bats, three home runs — no player in modern baseball history had ever done that on debut day, according to WFTV.
The Cardinals won 8-4. Báez's three homers were the difference. The Cubs had no answer for a player most of their fans had likely never heard of before Friday afternoon.
30 Family Members Watched From the Wrigley Stands
Báez did not celebrate alone. He had 30 family members inside Wrigley Field to see every swing, according to Yakima Herald. That kind of crowd in the stands makes a big moment even bigger — and Báez gave them something they will never forget.
The debut came after Báez worked his way up through the Cardinals' minor league system. His last stop before Friday was Triple-A Memphis, just one step below the majors. The call-up came, and he wasted no time proving he belonged.
Báez Joins a Short List of Cardinals Debut Homers
Báez became the 11th St. Louis Cardinals player ever to hit a home run in his major league debut, according to Star Democrat. He also became just the sixth Cardinal in club history to homer on the very first pitch he saw. Those are rare clubs to join — and he did both on the same afternoon.
For comparison, most players spend their debut day just trying to get a hit. Báez hit three balls out of the park. The feat puts his name in the record books right next to some of the most memorable debut performances in baseball history.
What This Moment Means for St. Louis Going Forward
The Cardinals have struggled to find consistent power in their lineup this season. Báez's debut gives the team a jolt of excitement and a potential long-term answer in the outfield. One game does not make a career, but three home runs in three at-bats is about as strong a first impression as any player has ever made.
Báez's smile after that first 450-foot blast said it all, according to Yahoo Sports. He was not nervous. He was ready. Whether he can keep it up will be the story to watch — but for one afternoon at Wrigley Field, Joshua Báez was the best player in baseball.
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