Good luck dreaming up a better MLB debut than what George Lombard Jr. provided on Tuesday night.
Entering his first game in the Bronx with loads of hype, the Yankees' top prospect made every defensive play that came his way at shortstop, including a difficult double play that started with a ground ball to his backhand side. But his biggest introduction was with the bat, as the 21-year-old sat back on an 0-2 breaking ball and launched it into the left field seats for a home run in just his second big-league at-bat. His first hit in the majors was a solo shot that ignited the Yankee Stadium crowd, including his parents, who were in attendance and celebrating with the rest of the fans when Lombard's homer touched down.
Lombard snagged a grounder with his backhand in the top of the second, then fired a strike across his body to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, starting a 6-4-3 double play that Yankee fans had not been used to seeing at the shortstop position this year. He turned an unassisted double play on a grounder up the middle in the fifth, and launched his home run in the bottom half of the inning, and added a walk to his unforgettable night.
For the Yankees and their fans, it was a reason for hope given the lack of production they have seen at shortstop this year. Anthony Volpe, the team's hopeful shortstop savior before Lombard, was sent down as a corresponding move to Lombard's call-up, and it took one night to wonder if Volpe - or anyone besides Lombard - would get another start at shortstop this season and beyond.
Looking big picture is for another night. Tuesday night was one to celebrate Lombard's improbable introduction.
The hyped prospect went deep and turned a slick double play in his first MLB game.
The hyped prospect went deep and turned a slick double play in his first MLB game.
