CHICAGO — Joshua Báez showcased an extraordinary MLB debut at Wrigley Field, marking his entrance with three home runs in his first three at-bats. With this performance, he powered the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. This rivalry dates back to 1892, and Báez’s achievement adds a new chapter to its storied history.

After the game, Báez celebrated with more than 30 friends and family members, including his mother, Yris Báez. This moment was especially poignant for Báez, who fulfilled a promise made to his late father, Jose Manuel Báez, to reach the major leagues. José’s influence was significant on Báez’s journey to this point.

Báez recalls his father as a ‘big, stubborn guy who had so much power and so much strength.’

Adding to the surreal nature of the day in left field, Báez noticed a bee persistently buzzing around him. He interpreted it as a sign of his father’s presence.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol embraced the debut performance, honoring Báez’s mother and acknowledging the support group behind every player’s success. No one gets here on their own, he noted. Marmol credited the support system that sustained Báez through the challenges of professional baseball.

Báez’s journey began in Boston, followed by a move to the Dominican Republic and a return to Massachusetts, where he attended Dexter Southfield, a prep school near Fenway Park. He worked as a delivery driver for DoorDash to support his baseball pursuits.

Scouted during the pandemic-limited summer of 2020, Báez’s power and athletic potential caught the Cardinals’ attention. St. Louis drafted him in the second round of the 2021 draft. Despite early promise, Báez faced setbacks, including a wrist injury in 2022 that impeded his progress.

In 2023, Báez’s strikeout rate highlighted weaknesses in his swing, prompting a major overhaul. Extensive work with minor-league hitting coordinator Brock Hammit focused on improving his swing path and optimizing contact. This effort regained Báez’s confidence and reduced his strikeout rate below 30% without sacrificing power.

Báez’s return to form culminated in a championship with Double-A Springfield and a strong start to his current season. His debut on Saturday showed not only his skill but also his perseverance through challenges.

St. Louis is seeing the results of significant investments in player development. Along with Báez, several homegrown talents are emerging within the organization, forming a new core expected to expedite the Cardinals’ rebuild.

During Saturday’s game, Cardinals bench coach Daniel Descalso jokingly suggested to manager Marmol to sub Báez out after his third home run. Marmol’s reaction was telling of the exhilaration felt among the coaching staff.

With an ability to handle diverse pitches, Báez exemplifies the potential seen when the Cardinals drafted him. Descalso commended Báez’s resilience, achieved through hard work in the minors.

On Sunday, Báez went hitless in a follow-up game but remains full of potential as the Cardinals continue their season. St. Louis left Wrigley Field energized by newfound talent, poised for upcoming challenges in the league.