CHICAGO — Joshua Báez launched the first pitch he ever saw in Major League Baseball around 450 feet, grinned at the St. Louis dugout, and began his home run trot. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol remarked on Báez’s calm demeanor and infectious smile, noting how uncommon it is for him to pause and enjoy momentous occasions. This moment demanded attention.

Báez’s debut was extraordinary. He became the first player in history to hit a home run in each of his first three at-bats in the major leagues, propelling the Cardinals to an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Báez was called up from Triple-A Memphis on the day of the game, with 30 family members, including his mother, present at Wrigley Field. Despite the rain, they gathered on the field for photos. “It’s just unreal,” the 23-year-old Báez said about hitting three home runs. “It’s crazy.”

In his first at-bat, Báez smashed a pitch from Matthew Boyd 449 feet into the bleachers in left-center. His next at-bat ended with a solo shot down the left-field line, and his third home run went the opposite way, earning him five RBIs. Major League Baseball confirmed that Báez is the first player in the modern era to hit three home runs in his debut. The league lacks records before 1901 to verify earlier instances.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell lauded Báez’s performance, acknowledging the power he displayed. Before his call-up, Báez led all Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs and had four multihomer games.

Báez is the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Cardinals this season. He is also the 11th player in Cardinals history to homer in his first career at-bat, with the last being Lane Thomas in 2019, and the sixth to do so on the first pitch, following former pitcher Adam Wainwright in 2006.