Joshua Báez makes MLB history with three home runs in debut

St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Báez made Major League Baseball history during his debut against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The 23-year-old Dominican outfielder became the first player in MLB history to hit a home run in each of his first three career plate appearances.

Báez finished the game 3-for-4 with three home runs and five RBIs, leading the Cardinals to an 8-4 victory. His first home run was a 449-foot blast off Matthew Boyd. Notably, Báez achieved this feat using borrowed spikes from teammate Blaze Jordan after arriving at the stadium without the necessary equipment.

The Baseball Hall of Fame has expressed interest in acquiring the equipment used during the historic performance, including the borrowed spikes, for potential display in Cooperstown. Báez, who was drafted in the second round in 2021, previously demonstrated significant power in Triple-A, recording 34 home runs this season.