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A Memorable MLB Debut for San Francisco Giants Prospect Casey Schmitt
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San Francisco — “HIGH DRIVE, LEFT-CENTER FIELD, OUTTA HERE” announced Giants broadcaster, Duane Kuiper, as Casey Schmitt launched a 92 MPH sinker to the outfield bleachers in just his second major league at-bat. When the Giants called up Schmitt, he was their #4 overall ranked prospect in their farm system. Schmitt, age 24, was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of San Diego State University, where he played third base and closer.
While Schmitt was expected to join the Giants’ big league roster at the beginning of the season (after he performed well in Spring Training), the Giants sent him down to Triple-A for a few weeks before calling him up. In 32 games on the Giants Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento Rivercats, Schmitt slashed .313/.352/.410 driving in 22 runs in 134 at-bats this season.
What impressed scouts and Giants staff even more than Schmitt’s hitting metrics, was his ability to field and versatility. This season, the Giants moved Schmitt around the infield after primarily playing third base in college, Single-A, and Double-A. Schmitt played 20 games at shortstop, 9 games at third base, and 3 games at second base. Schmitt’s ability to play multiple positions in the infield gives Giants manager, Gabe Kapler, some flexibility when creating starting lineups.
In his MLB debut, Schmitt made sure to provide fireworks for his friends and family that traveled up north from San Diego and some from North Carolina. Even Casey’s 84-year-old grandmother made the trip up to San Francisco to witness her grandson’s debut. Schmitt’s first big-league at-bat ended in a routine groundball to Nationals shortstop, C.J. Abrams. However, in Schmitt’s second big-league at-bat, he crushed a 92 MPH sinker to the left-center field bleachers against opposing pitcher, Patrick Corbin, causing his friends and family to erupt and celebrate. On the night, Schmitt finished 2–4 with 1 RBI.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area, Casey Schmitt was the youngest San Francisco Giant to homer in his MLB debut since Will Clark on April 8, 1986. Also, Schmitt is just the 19th San Francisco Giants player to have his first MLB hit be a home run. Other Giants that have accomplished this include: Orlando Cepeda (1958), Will Clark (1986), Brandon Crawford (2011), and Adam Duvall (2014).
After the game, Schmitt met up with the fan who was on the receiving end of his first big-league home run. Eli Simon, age 10, from Bernal Heights in San Francisco, snagged Schmitt’s first career MLB home run ball and gave it to Schmitt in exchange for a signed ball and a bat.
Casey Schmitt is a promising young talent who has a bright future in the MLB. Both his offensive and defensive skills have impressed many within the Giants organization, making him a valuable asset. After his exciting MLB debut, Schmitt has already made a name for himself and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this young and exciting rookie.
Matthew Suh is a staff writer and contributor for The Bell Online, Fresh Coast Sports, and The Press Box. He is passionate about the intersection of sports and culture and loves to explore the stories behind the games. Follow Matthew on Twitter @matthewsuh.
