Joshua Báez Makes Historic MLB Debut with Three Home Runs

CHICAGO — Joshua Báez stepped into the major leagues with a remarkable start, hitting the first pitch he faced approximately 450 feet. His impressive home run set an unforgettable tone for the St. Louis Cardinals as they defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Saturday.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol expressed his amazement at Báez’s performance. ‘There was a calmness and a smile,’ Marmol remarked. ‘It’s rare for me to pick my head up and enjoy parts of a game, but he didn’t leave us much choice.’

Báez made history by becoming the first player to hit a home run in each of his first three major league at-bats. The Cubs were unable to contain the energy and excitement generated by his debut performance.

Called up from Triple-A Memphis just before the game, Báez had a significant cheering section in the stands. Over 30 family members, including his mother, Yris, were present at Wrigley Field to witness and celebrate his achievement despite the rain.

‘It’s just unreal,’ Báez said, reflecting on his performance. ‘To not only get a hit but three home runs? It’s crazy.’

Báez on Saturday became the first player to hit a home run in each of his first three at-bats in the majors.

Báez showcased remarkable talent. He hit his first home run off Matthew Boyd, sending the ball an estimated 449 feet into the left-center field bleachers. His second home run traveled down the left-field line, and his third went in the opposite direction, bringing his RBI total to five.

According to Major League Baseball, Báez is the first player in modern history to achieve three home runs in a debut game. The league lacks comprehensive records before 1901, so it remains a notable milestone.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Báez’s impressive debut, saying, ‘He hit three different pitches for home runs. He had a great game.’

Báez showed significant power throughout the minor leagues, leading Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs this season, including four multihomer games. He is the ninth player this season to debut for the Cardinals and the 11th in team history to homer in his first career at-bat. Lane Thomas last achieved this feat in 2019, and Adam Wainwright was the most recent Cardinal to homer on the first pitch in 2006.