Dominic Smith hits walk-off grand slam in emotional Atlanta Braves debut
Dominic Smith became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his team debut as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Saturday.
The dramatic ninth-inning strike came less than two weeks after the designated hitter lost his mother to cancer.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no other player has ever ended their first appearance for a new franchise with a game-winning grand slam.
A bittersweet milestone
The left-handed batter was one of the final additions to the Opening Day roster following a challenging spring training period.
He had temporarily left the squad when his mother suffered a health scare but returned to compete for his place in the lineup.
“This team is just so awesome,” Smith said.
“I’m so blessed because of the love they showed me, the support every day. They didn’t care about baseball.”
Dramatic ninth-inning comeback
The home side trailed 2-0 heading into the final frame before RBI singles from Mike Yastrzemski and Michael Harris II loaded the bases with only one out.
Facing Royals closer Carlos Estevez, who registered 42 saves last season, the debuting star worked a full count before calling a crucial timeout to compose himself.
On the next pitch, the powerful slugger launched a fly ball into the right-field seats to send the capacity crowd into joyous celebrations.
“It’s just amazing,” said the match-winner.
“Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun.”
Remembering his mother
Amid the chaotic scenes at home plate, the emotional hero admitted he struggled to hold back his tears.
The batter will soon travel with the franchise to California, allowing him to reunite with family and officially say his goodbyes to his late mother.
“I feel her every day. I miss her dearly. It’s not a moment I don’t think about her,” he added.
“I’m just so thankful because this team knows what I’m going through. They really picked me up the last few weeks.”
