Joshua Báez achieved a historic feat in his Major League Baseball debut for the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, August 15. He became the first player ever to hit three home runs in his first three career at-bats. His debut performance included a towering two-run homer on the very first pitch he saw from Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd at Wrigley Field.

Báez's power display continued throughout the game, driving the Cardinals to an 8-4 victory. His second home run, a full-count changeup blast, landed 382 feet into the left field bleachers. In his third at-bat, with Boyd still on the mound, Báez hit a two-run shot to right field, giving the Cardinals a 6-3 lead and cementing his place in baseball history. The emotional significance of his debut was amplified by his journey, including the passing of his father, Jose Manuel, who significantly influenced his baseball development.

The 21-year-old Báez, once the Cardinals' No. 3 prospect, had a remarkable season in Class AAA Memphis, hitting 34 home runs and driving in 90 runs. This performance, coupled with hitting four home runs on the third anniversary of his father's death, had already put him on the Cardinals' radar. His incredible debut has now ensured he cannot be ignored at the highest level.