Joshua Báez Makes MLB History with Home Run Feat

St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez made an incredible debut in Major League Baseball by achieving a rare feat. In his first major league game, Báez hit a home run in each of his first three at-bats against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

During his first at-bat, Báez smashed a 450-foot two-run homer off Cubs pitcher Matt Boyd, propelling the Cardinals to a 3-0 lead. This powerful start set the tone for his memorable performance.

Báez continued his exceptional display in the fourth inning, when he faced Boyd again. After working the count full, he hit a 382-foot home run to left field off a 78-mph changeup, regaining the Cardinals’ advantage at 4-3.

The third home run of the day came on an 83-mph slider, sending the ball 368 feet to right field. This two-run homer provided the Cardinals with a 6-3 lead. Báez amazed his teammates by homering to all three fields on different pitch types.

In his fourth trip to the plate, Báez lined out to Cubs left fielder Ian Happ. At that point, the Cardinals led 8-4 over the Cubs in the ninth inning. Báez had entered the majors after leading Triple-A in home runs, showcasing a batting average of .256, with 34 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases over 103 games.

Drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft from high school, Báez joined the Cardinals’ young core of players like JJ Wetherholt, Jordan Walker, and Alec Burleson. The Cardinals, originally unexpected to contend this season, found themselves in a promising position for a Wild Card spot in the National League.

The Cubs, currently holding the top Wild Card position, trailed the Milwaukee Brewers by three games in the NL Central before Saturday’s game. The Cardinals had a balanced record of 61-61 and were closing in on a Wild Card position themselves, just 3.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies.