Baez hits 3 straight HRs in 'crazy,' historic debut
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- Baez became the first player to homer in each of his first three major-league at-bats, leading St. Louis to an 8-4 victory over the Cubs on Saturday.
- Matthew Boyd surrendered Baez’s first-pitch shot, estimated at 449 feet and the third-longest debut homer tracked by ESPN since 2006; only Jason Heyward’s 476-footer in 2010 and Aaron Judge’s 457-footer in 2016 were longer.
- Craig Counsell said Baez hit three different pitches for home runs, acknowledging the rookie had "beat us" in the Cubs’ loss.
- Yris was one of 30 family members at Wrigley Field who joined Baez for photos on the field after the game despite the rain.
- Baez was the Cardinals’ fourth-ranked prospect and No. 93 overall when called up from Triple-A Memphis, where he led the league with 34 home runs and had four multihomer games.
- The Cardinals made Baez the ninth player to make his major-league debut for the club that season.
Why it matters: St. Louis emerged with an 8-4 win powered by Baez’s record three homers and five RBIs, while the Cubs absorbed a loss to a player making his debut. Because he hit three different pitches and arrived leading Triple-A with 34 home runs, the record reflects established power rather than one lucky swing.
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