Eduardo Valencia homers in first MLB at-bat for Tigers against Athletics
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 3:24 AM
Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Eduardo Valencia made his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers on July 10, 2026, hitting a home run in his first plate appearance during a game against the Oakland Athletics. Valencia, called up from Triple-A Toledo earlier that day, hit a 425-foot shot to contribute to the Tigers' 4-1 victory, completing a series sweep. The emotional Valencia honored his family and Venezuela, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. He is the first Tigers player to homer in his initial big-league at-bat since Akil Baddoo in 2021.
- •Valencia became the 10th Tiger to homer in his first MLB at-bat.
- •He hit a home run in the seventh inning, securing a 4-1 win.
- •Valencia expressed gratitude towards his family and the recovery efforts in Venezuela.
- •He was called up to replace All-Star catcher Dillon Dingler.
- •This marks Valencia's first professional game in the big leagues after eight seasons in the minors.
- 9:11 AMYahoo Sports — Tigers rookie Valencia battles through emotion in magical MLB debut
- 5:03 AMESPN — Valencia honors Venezuela after HR in MLB debut
- 3:24 AMYahoo Sports — Tigers' emotional Eduardo Valencia thanks family, honors Venezuela after he homers in 1st MLB at-bat
"Eduardo Valencia made some history for the Detroit Tigers, got emotional while thanking his family and home country of earthquake-rocked Venezuela and then celebrated after the game with a hug from his wife on the field. The 26-year-old catcher became the 10th Detroit player to homer in his first career plate appearance, helping the Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics on Thursday night that completed a series sweep. “I was waiting a lot for this, for my family, for Venezuela and I’m so excited,” Valencia said as his voice cracked and he fought back tears during an on-field interview on the Tigers' broadcast after the game.
"Eduardo Valencia made history on Thursday with a home run in his first plate appearance for the Tigers, then got emotional while thanking his family and home country of earthquake-rocked Venezuela.
"Despite an emotional baseball journey, and despite a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, Tigers rookie Eduardo Valencia found joy in his MLB debut.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 9:11 AMTigers rookie Valencia battles through emotion in magical MLB debut
Despite an emotional baseball journey, and despite a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, Tigers rookie Eduardo Valencia found joy in his MLB debut.
- ESPNJul 10, 2026, 5:03 AMValencia honors Venezuela after HR in MLB debut
Eduardo Valencia made history on Thursday with a home run in his first plate appearance for the Tigers, then got emotional while thanking his family and home country of earthquake-rocked Venezuela.
- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 3:24 AMTigers' emotional Eduardo Valencia thanks family, honors Venezuela after he homers in 1st MLB at-bat
Eduardo Valencia made some history for the Detroit Tigers, got emotional while thanking his family and home country of earthquake-rocked Venezuela and then celebrated after the game with a hug from his wife on the field. The 26-year-old catcher became the 10th Detroit player to homer in his first career plate appearance, helping the Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics on Thursday night that completed a series sweep. “I was waiting a lot for this, for my family, for Venezuela and I’m so excited,” Valencia said as his voice cracked and he fought back tears during an on-field interview on the Tigers' broadcast after the game.
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