MIAMI.- The Dominican gardener Joshua Baez This Saturday he became the first player in the history of the Major Leagues of baseball to hit three home runs in his debut game, in the 8-4 victory of the St. Louis Cardinals about the Chicago Cubs.
“It’s incredible, I can’t put it into words,” Báez said. “I tried to stay calm, enjoy the moment and have fun and nothing more.”
Báez, 23 years old and who was selected by St. Louis in the 2021 draft, hit home runs in the first three at-bats of his career, in the first (before the first pitch), fourth and sixth innings.
“I didn’t know I was going to hit three home runs in a game, after the second one I thought I could do it one more time.”
The mythical Wrigley Field (Chicago) witnessed one of the highlights of the season for the Cardinals.
Approximately 35 people, including special guests and family, enjoyed more than just their debut in the big tent.
“They mean the world to me, I can only say that I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.
Batting fifth in the St. Louis lineup, Báez also became the second player since 1900 to hit home runs in his first two major league at-bats, joining Bob Niemanwhich he did in September 1951.
“It’s something really incredible,” commented the Dominican manager of San Luis, Oliver Marble. “I think he has shown talent, he has a lot of power and the reality is that he puts us a level higher than the others.”
A story of improvement
Báez was born in Boston in June 2003 and then moved to the Dominican Republic. Some time later he returned to USA by sixth grade, not speaking a word of English, and using a translator to communicate.
After the historic feat, Báez spent time with his family at the Cubs field, including his mother, who received him with a hug amid applause from those present in an emotional scene that enshrines a story of overcoming.
