Kathmandu— Joshua Báez made an unforgettable major league debut Saturday, hitting three home runs in his first three at-bats to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Called up from Triple-A Memphis before the game, the 23-year-old quickly established himself as a force, smashing pitches all around the ballpark and delighting fans – and his family, who traveled to witness the historic moment. Báez’s performance marks him as the first player in modern baseball history to achieve this feat, with records prior to 1901 incomplete.

Instant Impact

Báez wasted no time making an impression, launching his first major league pitch approximately 450 feet into left-center field. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol noted the player’s composure during the moment, saying, “There was a calmness and a smile, like, ‘I’m here.’” He followed up with another solo home run down the left-field line in his next at-bat, then completed the trifecta by hitting a third home run to the opposite field, finishing the day with five RBIs.

A Family Affair

With 30 family members in attendance, including his mother Yris, Báez’s debut was made even more special. The group gathered on the field for photos after the game despite rainy conditions. “It’s just unreal,” Báez said. “To not only get a hit, but three home runs? It’s crazy.” He had been leading all Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs this season before being called up.

Historical Significance

Major League Baseball confirmed that Báez is the first player in modern baseball history to accomplish the rare feat of hitting a home run in each of his first three at-bats. While game logs prior to 1901 are incomplete, records indicate this is a unique achievement. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Báez’s performance, stating, “He hit three different pitches for home runs. He had a great game. He beat us for sure.” Báez is also the ninth player to debut with the Cardinals this season and the sixth in club history to homer on his first pitch.

Báez's remarkable debut has instantly made him a key part of the Cardinals lineup, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing how he continues to perform throughout the remainder of the season.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.