Joshua Báez Makes Historic MLB Debut

Joshua Báez made a remarkable entrance into Major League Baseball with an unforgettable debut. On his arrival to the majors, Báez hit the first pitch he saw nearly 450 feet, flashing a smile towards the St. Louis Cardinals’ dugout, signifying his arrival. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol commented, “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 became the first player to hit home runs in each of his first three at-bats in the majors. His performance led the Cardinals to an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Called up from Triple-A Memphis, Báez had 30 family members present at Wrigley Field, including his mother, Yris, who gathered on the field for photos despite the rainy weather. “It’s just unreal,” the 23-year-old stated. “To not only get a hit, but three home runs? It’s crazy.”

The left fielder showcased his talent and power with each homer. His first, off a pitch from Matthew Boyd, traveled an estimated 449 feet into the left-center bleachers. In his next at-bat, he launched a solo shot down the left-field line. The third home run went to the opposite field and brought his RBI total to five. According to Major League Baseball, Báez is the first player in modern history to achieve three home runs in his debut, though records before 1901 remain uncertain.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Báez’s impressive performance, stating, “He hit three different pitches for home runs. He had a great game. He beat us for sure.” Before joining the Cardinals, Báez demonstrated significant power in the minors, leading Triple-A with 34 home runs and four multihomer games. He is the ninth player to debut for the Cardinals this season and the 11th to homer in his first career at-bat for the club, following Lane Thomas in 2019. Báez is also the sixth player in Cardinals history to homer on the first pitch, a feat last achieved by former pitcher Adam Wainwright in 2006.