20-year-old Jackson Holliday made his highly anticipated major league debut with the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. The top-ranked prospect, son of former MLB star Matt Holliday, started at second base and wore the significant No. 7 jersey, previously worn by Orioles legend Cal Ripken Sr.'s son, Billy Ripken.
Despite going hitless in his debut, Holliday expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, 'To go out there and win and have an RBI, it’s pretty awesome just to be here.' He acknowledged feeling a mix of nerves and excitement before the game but managed to stay composed.
Holliday's journey to the majors included being drafted No. 1 overall in 2022 out of high school in Oklahoma and impressing in spring training with a .311 batting average. General manager Mike Elias emphasized the need for Holliday to gain more experience at second base and against left-handed pitching, leading to a brief stint in Triple-A before his call-up.
Transitioning from primarily playing shortstop, Holliday adapted to second base, making 33 minor league starts at the position. His versatility and maturity were evident as he started a double play in his debut and received praise from teammates for his composure.
Family support was a significant part of Holliday's debut, with his father, grandfather, wife, mother, brothers, and sister present at Fenway Park. Notable well-wishers included Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who sent a message of encouragement.
Despite the pressure and hype surrounding his debut, Holliday remained focused on enjoying the moment and contributing to the Orioles' success. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed confidence in Holliday's abilities and hoped he would continue to perform well in future games.
As the second-youngest player in the majors, Holliday's debut marked the beginning of what promises to be a promising career, carrying on the family legacy in professional baseball.
