Making your MLB debut is a special enough accomplishment in its own right. Some players take it to the next level in their first-ever game, however.
On June 9, 2026, the White Sox's Braden Montgomery smashed a walk-off two-run homer to take down the Braves. If you think that sounds rare, your inclination is correct. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Montgomery became the fifth player in MLB history to hit a walk-off home run in their MLB debut.
Here's the list of players to pull off this impressive feat.
Braden Montgomery, White Sox
June 9, 2026 vs. Braves
Montgomery had quite the journey in professional baseball before he even debuted. Selected No. 12 overall in the 2024 Draft by the Red Sox, Montgomery was a key piece in the trade that sent Garrett Crochet to Boston before the 2025 season. Within two years of being drafted, Montgomery was in the Majors with the White Sox and what a debut it was. He singled in his second plate appearance for his first hit and hit an extra-innings walk-off two-run homer against the Braves, who entered the game with an MLB-best 45-21 record.
Carlos Perez, Angels
May 5, 2015 vs. Mariners
Perez singled in his first career plate appearance against Seattle's James Paxton. After going hitless in his next two trips to the plate, Perez hit a walk-off homer in the ninth inning against Dominic Leone, putting the Venezuelan catcher in this unique company.
Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
June 20, 2003 vs. Devil Rays
Cabrera seemed destined for greatness from the beginning ... literally. In an all-Florida matchup against Tampa Bay, Cabrera ended the game with a walk-off two-run home run in the 11th inning. It was the first of 511 career homers for Cabrera, who blossomed as one of the best hitters of his generation and was a two-time MVP winner and 12-time All-Star. The Marlins would defeat the Yankees in that year’s World Series, winning the club's second title in seven seasons.
Josh Bard, Indians
August 23, 2002 vs. Mariners
Bard was behind the dish for six scoreless innings from CC Sabathia, but he provided much more than just being the battery mate for the future Hall of Fame left-hander. Bard singled for his first MLB hit in the fifth inning, drove in his first run on a groundout in the seventh inning and hit a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning.
Billy Parker, Angels
September 9, 1971 vs. Brewers
Parker appeared in 94 games across three MLB seasons from 1971-73 with the Angels and hit three home runs. He made that first one count, hitting a solo homer with two outs in the 12th inning for his first home run to secure an Angels victory.