firsts

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke.

June 25, 2017. The Cardinals and (then) GM John Mozeliak had some news: big roster moves were being made. And when I say big – I mean big. No, that’s not a pun at the size of Luke Voit’s biceps but let’s be honest, he’s massive.

Cardinal fans had to wait in the time stretch between the initial news and the official press release, but speculations and nonofficial confirmations were taking Twitter by storm. For one, THE Randal Grichuk was called back up and making his reentry into the cleanup spot in yet another one of Mike Matheny’s masterpieces. And then, Luke Voit. No one knew for sure, but Voit was absent from the Memphis lineup that day.

Voit was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the month of April, hitting .360 with five homeruns, and clearly a reason to be excited. His contract was purchased, and management had provided a reason for fans to look forward to baseball again. Going into Sunday’s game, the Cardinals were 3 for their last 8 and on the verge of being swept by David Freese and the Pirates.

You’ve heard all of this. You heard all of this over a week ago as Voit stepped into the batter’s box in the 7th inning of an 8-4 ball game, with the Cardinals in the lead. I don’t care what team you cheer for, a player’s first at bat in a Major League uniform is exciting. So as Voit stepped into the box, the crowd rose to their feet in an ovation that would give even Cubs’ fans chills. In that moment, the sea of red that so often comes out in support of their team was standing in solidarity for one player.

I can’t even begin to explain the goosebumps that come along with not only viewing one of these moments, but being a part of it. Voit’s name was announced and immediately my heart warmed. The cheers and shouts of “LUUUUUUUKE” coming from each corner of the stadium were enough to make everyone feel something in that moment.

I held my breath every single pitch. It was honestly terrifying. The Cardinals were up by four with a runner on first, but that all seemed to melt away. There was only the possibility that Luke Voit could record his first Major League hit – or that he could strike out.

A 3-2 count. I held my breath. And… The pitch hit Voit square in the numbers on his back. It was no fairytale ending where Voit pulled a DeJong and sends one out in his debut, but somehow it fit. I was seated 11 rows up just shy of 3rd base, and even I could see the whites of his teeth in that grin that he held the entire jog down to first. The crowd erupted, and the shouts of “LUUUUUUKE” ensued. It was enough to bring tears to your eyes.

The next day, Voit dropped a double into right-center field in his first Major League hit. It felt like hours between when the ball hit the bat and when it hit the outfield grass. I held my breath yet again and just prayed that the ball would just get down. It did.

Two days ago, Luke Voit hit his first Major League homerun into deep center field. I, of course being the very immersed and observant Cardinal fan that I am, missed it. However, as I watched for the first time his homerun, I couldn’t help but smile and hold such happiness for a person I will never know.

Here’s to more of those moments.