Cardinals rookie Bryan Torres enjoys historic, emotional MLB debut
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Cardinals rookie Bryan Torres enjoys historic, emotional MLB debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bryan Torres didn't have an opportunity to follow up on his historic MLB debut as the St. Louis Cardinals' matchup against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park was rained out Sunday.
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The off time likely provided Torres an extended break to reflect on Saturday's effort in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.
After 11 minor-league seasons, Torres dressed for the Cardinals and collected two hits, including a ninth-inning, two-run home run, capping the scoring during an 8-1 win.
Torres became the third player in franchise history since 1900 to collect more than one hit, including a homer, during his first major-league game. He was also the oldest batter to reach base safely at least three times in the first game since at least 1900.
Afterward, Torres emotionally presented the ball to his mother, who traveled from Puerto Rico to witness the debut.
"Eleven years to get here," Torres said, as reported by ESPN. "I'm not a homer guy. Today, my debut, it just happened. I've been learning to manage the pressure. When the heart is going too fast, you have to slow things down.
"I felt a little pounding in my chest (Saturday)."
Cardinals rookie Bryan Torres shares emotional MLB debut
Four seasons ago, Torres, who started his professional baseball journey in the Milwaukee Brewers' system in 2015, considered retiring.
Along the way, Torres' second stop was with the San Francisco Giants' organization in 2019. After two seasons and out of organized baseball options, he joined the American Association's Milwaukee Milkmen, an independent league squad.
"I'm not going to lie, at one moment, I thought I'd retire," Torres said. "In that moment, I decided I wanted to give myself a chance and if I did, give it 100 percent."
The Cardinals threw Torres a professional lifeline in 2023. At Triple-A Memphis last season, Torres re-established himself as a mature prospect, hitting .328. He played for Team Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic, amassing two hits and three runs scored.
Torres, who opened Memphis' season with a .336 batting average in 36 games, received his first MLB summons last Friday.
The next day, he presented his mother, Lissette Crespo, with the home run ball.
"It was very emotional," Crespo said. "He was crying and when I received it, I cried with him.
"That was a special moment."
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