On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles struck out during the third inning of his major league baseball debut against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The strikeout was captured in a photo by Brian Fluharty and released by Getty Images.
Holliday expressed satisfaction with the experience, stating that it exceeded his expectations. Despite going 0-for-4 with only one RBI on a groundout, he was thrilled to be playing in a major league game with a packed stadium and high-caliber teams. He humbly acknowledged that, although he may have wished for more hits, it was an unforgettable experience.
During Orioles’ pregame batting practice at Fenway Park, Matt Holliday, Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, Matt’s son Ethan Holliday, and former MLB player/current MLB Network analyst Kevin Millar were seen chatting.
Jackson Holliday, a prospect for the Baltimore Orioles, addressed the press on Wednesday in Boston before making his first appearance in Major League Baseball against the Red Sox. (Photo credit: Matt Weyrich/Staff)
In his first Major League Baseball appearance on Wednesday, 20-year-old Jackson Holliday recorded an RBI but did not get any hits in four at-bats against the Boston Red Sox.
During the Orioles’ pregame batting practice at Fenway Park, Matt Holliday and his son Ethan were seen chatting with former MLB player and current MLB Network analyst Kevin Millar.
Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles is seen smiling while accompanied by his teammates and being surrounded by cameras during warm-up before his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Boston. Holliday, who is the son of Matt Holliday, a seven-time All-Star, is set to play second base in the game.
Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles prepares for a game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Photo Credit: AP/Charles Krupa)
During Orioles’ pregame batting practice at Fenway Park on Wednesday, former Red Sox player and current MLB Network analyst Kevin Millar and Ethan Holliday, son of Matt Holliday, were seen chatting. (Photo credit: Matt Weyrich/Staff)
“He derives great pleasure from playing because he genuinely loves it, and I find great delight in watching him.”
The name Ripken is highly regarded in the world of baseball. Matt has made a significant impact in the MLB record books, but it is now Jackson’s turn to solidify the Holliday family’s legacy in the sport. His younger brother Ethan is also making a name for himself as a potential draft pick in 2025, and together they have the opportunity to secure their family’s place in baseball history.
Matt chose the number 7, which was also worn by the late Ripken Sr., as his uniform number. He asked for permission from Ripken Jr. before making his decision.
In Boston, Massachusetts on April 10, 2024, Jackson Holliday, #7 of the Baltimore Orioles, successfully hits an RBI during his first Major League Baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The photo captured by Brian Fluharty shows this moment.
Fenway Park was the stadium where Matt endured heart-wrenching defeats to the Red Sox in two World Series — one with the Colorado Rockies in 2007, and another with the Cardinals in 2013. Now, the stadium carries new meaning for him; it’s the place where he watched his oldest son suit up as an MLB player for the first time.
Jackson Holliday, a prospect for the Orioles, talked to reporters on Wednesday in Boston before making his first appearance in the MLB against the Red Sox. (Photo by Matt Weyrich/Staff)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 10: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles talks with the media before making his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles swings during batting practice before his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox on April 10, 2024 in Boston. Holliday, whose father is seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, is set to play second base in the upcoming game. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
“It’s an honor for me to wear that and share it with my family. Representing them and wearing that number means a lot to me,” commented Jackson.
Matt got tickets close to the Orioles’ on-deck circle thanks to his friend Kevin Millar, who was on Boston’s World Series team in 2004. He sat with Jackson’s little brother Ethan and their grandpa to watch Jackson, the top prospect in baseball and 2022’s No. 1 draft pick, fulfill his childhood dream.
On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Cedric Mullins #31 after a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
“It is always a unique experience with your children, watching them pursue their interests. He has wanted to do this for as long as I can recall,” Matt stated. “It is more satisfying to witness your children achieve success than your own, so I am extremely thrilled for him and eagerly anticipating watching him play out there.”
On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles (#7) observed a hit ball during the third inning of his first Major League Baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
“I shared with my teammate Colton Cowser that he mentioned signing his name on the Green Monster,” Jackson recalled. “I remember my brother and I doing the same when we were here years ago. Despite my dad experiencing some World Series losses here, I have fond memories of this place.”
Matt had an impressive career as a corner outfielder, standing out among others in the league. Between 2004 and 2018, he placed sixth in RBIs (1,220), seventh in doubles (468), eighth in hits (2,096), and 17th in home runs (316). He was selected for seven All-Star teams, received four Silver Slugger Awards, got Most Valuable Player recognition in eight different seasons (with two second-place finishes), and was a crucial part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 World Series success.
Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles is pictured second from the left, smiling as he watches batting practice with his teammates before his MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Boston. Holliday, whose father is the seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, is set to play second base in the game.
Jackson Holliday, a player for the Orioles, will address the press on Wednesday in Boston before his first game with the MLB against the Red Sox. (Matt Weyrich/Staff)
On April 10, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles made his MLB debut by throwing to home during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. A photo taken by Brian Fluharty shows the moment.
On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles gives a high-five to Gunnar Henderson #2 after a match against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles was unable to make a catch during the third inning of his first game in the MLB. The hit was made by Tyler O’Neill of the Boston Red Sox. The moment was captured by Brian Fluharty’s photo at Fenway Park.
Jackson Holliday, a young player for the Orioles, addressed the press on Wednesday in Boston prior to his first appearance in a Major League Baseball game against the Red Sox. (Photo credit: Matt Weyrich/Staff)
It is possible for Jackson to continue and enhance the impressive history left by his predecessors. Unlike Matt, who was drafted in the seventh round and made his major league debut at age 24, Jackson received instruction from his father, a skilled hitting coach and former player, at a young age. This contributed to him being recognized as one of the most dynamic young talents in baseball even before making his debut in the majors.
The Orioles’ manager, Brandon Hyde, expressed enthusiasm for watching him play. Having the top prospect in baseball on the team and making his first appearance at Fenway Park is a notable event. Fenway Park holds a special significance, so the team is eagerly anticipating his debut.
After retiring from the major leagues six years ago, Matt Holliday’s family name has reappeared on a lineup card.
“I’m thrilled,” stated Matt before the game on the field. “I’m so happy for him. This has always been his dream and it’s almost surreal that he gets to play on this field. He grew up playing on this field and even signed the wall as a child. So, I’m truly happy for him. It’s exciting to see him achieve his goal of making it here and now he wants to perform well and be a valuable player on a successful team.”
On April 10, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles practiced batting before playing in his first MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
“Jackson Holliday had his much-awaited first game in the MLB for the Orioles, helping them make a comeback and defeat the Boston Red Sox 7-5 on Wednesday night. Despite only getting three hours of sleep in the past 24 hours, Jackson’s friend Matt managed to secure seats on a private plane for him and his family to travel to Fenway Park. With this debut, Jackson became the second-generation in his family to play in the major leagues, adding to their legacy.”
Long-awaited poster, PSG-Barcelona attracted 2.9 million viewers on Canal+ and Canal+ Foot. The misfortune of one person makes the happiness of others. If the capital club lost in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League against FC Barcelona (3-2), this defeat is the business of Canal+, the sole broadcaster of the match. 2.89 million […]
