Jhonkensy Noel, a 22-year-old rookie, made a memorable debut with the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat.
Noel’s impressive feat came just hours after being recalled from Triple-A Columbus, where he had been dominating with a .295 batting average, 18 home runs, and 59 RBI.
In the second inning, Noel faced Grayson Rodriguez and sent a 1-1 pitch soaring over the center-field wall, giving the Guardians a 1-0 lead. The home run was estimated to have traveled 413 feet. Although the Guardians eventually lost 4-2 to the Baltimore Orioles, Noel’s debut was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing game.
Noel’s impressive minor league stats, which include 112 home runs in 517 games, had earned him a promotion to the big leagues. Manager Stephen Vogt was enthusiastic about Noel’s potential, praising his power, defense, and infectious enthusiasm
. “He’s got some pop, obviously,” Vogt said before the game. “That’s a guy who loves to play. He’s a good baseball player, and he’s been raking.”
Noel’s versatility in the field, having played first base, left field, right field, and designated hitter for Columbus, makes him a valuable asset to the Guardians. His debut was a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he is sure to be an exciting player to watch in the future.