Debut dream: Baez hits three home runs in first three MLB at-bats

Joshua Baez etched his name in Major League Baseball history on Tuesday, becoming the first player ever to hit home runs in his first three plate appearances during a single debut game. The 23-year-old rookie for the St. Louis Cardinals accomplished the extraordinary feat against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Baez's debut was nothing short of spectacular. His first at-bat resulted in a towering 449-foot home run. Undeterred, he followed it up with another home run in his second at-bat during a full count. In a remarkable display of power and versatility, he completed his historic trifecta with a third home run in his third at-bat, this time sending the ball to the opposite field. His three home runs and five RBIs powered the Cardinals to an 8-4 win.

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My father's dream was to play in the major leagues, and the only promise I made to my father was to achieve his dream.

Prior to his historic MLB debut, Baez was a standout performer in Triple-A Memphis. He led the league in home runs and RBIs this season, showcasing the power that prompted the Cardinals to call him up. Drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft, Baez has shown significant improvement, particularly in reducing his strikeout rate and refining his swing mechanics, allowing him to better utilize his considerable strength.

Baez's powerful performance was dedicated to his late father, whose dream was to see him play in the major leagues. "My father's dream was to play in the major leagues, and the only promise I made to my father was to achieve his dream," Baez said after the game, visibly emotional. He also mentioned a bee that circled him during the game, interpreting it as a sign of his father's presence. The emotional victory was witnessed by over 30 family members in attendance.

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During the game, a bee kept flying around me. I think he was with me today.