Carlos Perez's Major League Debut Ends in Historic Fashion

Carlos Perez accomplished something that has only been done three other times.

ByABC News
May 6, 2015, 3:09 AM
Los Angeles Angels' Carlos Perez, center, is surrounded by teammates after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Seattle Mariners, May 5, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Angels' Carlos Perez, center, is surrounded by teammates after hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Seattle Mariners, May 5, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif.
Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

— -- How’s that for a debut?

Los Angeles Angels catcher Carlos Perez hit a walk-off home run Tuesday in his first big league game, only the fourth player to accomplish the feat since 1900, and the first since 2003.

Perez led off the bottom of the ninth inning against Dominic Leone, driving the 0-1 pitch over the left field fence to give his team a 5-4 victory.

The 24-year-old Venezuela native had been playing in the minor leagues since 2008. He previously played in the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros systems.

Perez was swarmed by his teammates at home plate. He later received a sports drink shower and was given a sombrero. Angels Stadium’s fans set a Guinness record for sombrero-wearing earlier in the day.

“It’s my first day, that’s my day to get it for my whole family. I’m really excited,” he said afterwards.

PHOTO: Carlos Perez is doused with sports drink by Erck Aybar after Perez led off the ninth inning with a walk-off home run, May 5, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Carlos Perez is doused with sports drink by Erck Aybar after Perez led off the ninth inning with a walk-off home run, May 5, 2015 in Anaheim, California.

Other players to hit game-ending home runs in their debut are Billy Parker (1971), Josh Bard (2002) and Miguel Cabrera (2003).