Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Akil Baddoo had spent his entire professional baseball career at the lower levels of the Twins’ minor-league system — never advancing beyond high-A ball in four seasons (plus last year’s canceled minor-league season).
But on Sunday, the Rule 5 selection was ready to make his MLB debut with the Tigers and, oh man, he made the leap to the big leagues look easy.
Baddoo stepped to the plate for his first MLB at-bat in the third inning of Sunday’s game against Cleveland, and all he needed to see was one pitch from Aaron Civale to make his impact.
.@AkilBaddoo ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
He homers on the first pitch of his MLB career. pic.twitter.com/JKI5goelHQ
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 4, 2021
Baddoo went opposite-field on an 89 mph four-seamer for a solo shot, and the 22-year-old knew it immediately. He flipped his bat — as he should — and pointed to his parents once he crossed home plate.
Speaking of his parents, though, they had an absolutely delightful reaction to that home run as it left the park.
Akil Badoo's parents reaction to his first MLB HR (in his first MLB PA)
How can you not be romantic about baseball. pic.twitter.com/mQY9ZI1X0d
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) April 4, 2021
What a moment.
