Joshua Báez Makes Historic MLB Debut with Three Home Runs

CHICAGO — Joshua Báez made an unforgettable entry into Major League Baseball by hitting his first pitch about 450 feet for a home run, followed by a grin towards the St. Louis dugout. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol noticed the confidence in Báez and took a moment to appreciate the remarkable event. He stated, “There was a calmness and a smile, like, ‘I’m here.’ It’s rare for me to pick my head up to enjoy parts of it. He didn’t exactly give us an option but to actually take a step back and enjoy the heck out of what was going on there.”

Báez achieved a unique milestone, becoming the first player to hit home runs in each of his first three major league at-bats. His performance helped lead the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs.

The young player was called up from Triple-A Memphis just before the game. At Wrigley Field, he had the support of 30 family members, including his mother, Yris, who all gathered for photos despite the rain. “It’s just unreal,” said the 23-year-old Báez. “To not only get a hit, but three home runs? It’s crazy.”

During the game, Báez showed flair and impressive skill. His first home run came off the first pitch from Matthew Boyd, reaching the bleachers in left-center. His subsequent at-bats resulted in solo shots down the left-field line and another opposite-field homer, culminating in five RBIs for the day. According to Major League Baseball, Báez is the first modern-era player to hit three home runs in his debut, although records before 1901 are unclear.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell remarked on Báez’s performance, saying, “He hit three different pitches for home runs. He had a great game. He beat us for sure.” Báez’s power was evident in the minors this season, as he led Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs, including four multihomer games.

This season, Báez is the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Cardinals. He also became the 11th St. Louis player to homer in his first career at-bat, following Lane Thomas in 2019. Báez is only the sixth in club history to hit a homer on the first pitch, joining the likes of former pitcher Adam Wainwright, who accomplished that feat in 2006.