What happened: Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez said his three home runs in his major league debut were tied to the memory of his late father. Baez became the first player in MLB history to homer three times in his first three career plate appearances, a mark already logged by wire.report.
Why it matters: The debut stands as a singular entry in the MLB record book, and Baez's comments give the milestone a personal frame beyond the box score. More than 30 members of his family were on hand to see it.
By the numbers: Baez's three home runs traveled a combined 1,199 feet and produced five RBIs across his first three plate appearances.
What to watch: Baez remains in the Cardinals lineup as St. Louis continues its series against the Cubs.