Carlos Perez's Major League Debut Ends in Historic Fashion
Carlos Perez accomplished something that has only been done three other times.
— -- 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.
Other players to hit game-ending home runs in their debut are Billy Parker (1971), Josh Bard (2002) and Miguel Cabrera (2003).