Before historic MLB debut, Cardinals slugger Josh Baez played in Peoria

Josh Baez, a 6-foot-3 St. Louis Cardinals prospect, made an unforgettable Major League debut on Saturday, July 10, 2024, at Wrigley Field, where he hit three home runs, including one on his very first pitch. This historic performance has earned him a place in baseball lore, with no player in history having achieved such a feat in their debut.

Baez, who had 34 home runs at Class-AAA Memphis this season, is just over a year removed from playing for the Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League. During his time with the Chiefs, he hit four home runs in 38 games. His MLB debut was preceded by a stellar performance in the previous season, where he hit 10 home runs in 71 games for the Chiefs.

Baez's journey to the majors was not without challenges. He didn't get picked right away on draft day, but his agent called him in the second round, informing him that the St. Louis Cardinals would choose him. The moment he received the call, the news was celebrated by his agent, family, and fans alike.

Baez shared his life story with the Journal Star in 2024, recounting his humble beginnings. He was not drafted until the second round and revealed that he started playing organized baseball at the age of 11. This remarkable journey has led him to become a second-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals and now holds a place in baseball history.