Skip to main content

Joshua Báez Hits Three Homers in MLB Debut

Culture18 sourcesAug 16, 2026
CenterRigor 4918 sources

Joshua Báez became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit three home runs in his debut game on August 15, 2026. Báez achieved the feat in his first three at-bats during the St. Louis Cardinals' 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He hit the first pitch he saw for a home run, followed by two more long balls in subsequent at-bats. Cardinals manager Oli Marmol noted Báez's calmness during the game, stating it was rare for him to step back and enjoy a player's performance. Báez, who was called up from Triple-A Memphis before the game, had 30 family members in attendance. He was leading all Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs this season. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Báez's performance, stating he beat them. Major League Baseball confirmed Báez is the first player in modern baseball history to hit three home runs in his debut, though the league cannot confirm if it happened before 1901 due to incomplete records. Báez, a 2021 graduate of Dexter Southfield School, is the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Cardinals this season. The St. Louis Cardinals organization tweeted about Báez hitting two homers in his debut. The game took place on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

What they agree on

  • Joshua Báez hit three home runs in his Major League Baseball debut on August 15, 2026.
  • Báez achieved this feat in his first three at-bats.
  • The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-4.
  • The game took place at Wrigley Field.

Where they split

  • Some sources emphasize the historic nature of Báez's achievement, with headlines stating he made MLB history or hit a record three homers in his debut.
  • Coverage varies on the exact distance of the home runs, with some reporting approximately 450 feet for the first homer and others not specifying distances for all three.
  • The New Haven Register and Chicago Tribune specifically mention the final score of 8-4, while other articles focus solely on Báez's performance without stating the game's outcome.
  • Some articles, like those from The Commercial Appeal and Reno Gazette Journal, focus on odds and predictions for the Cardinals-Cubs game rather than the game's events.