After quickly climbing the ranks, Jackson Holliday received a significant opportunity with the Baltimore Orioles.
Baseball’s top prospect made his debut on Wednesday night at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. He played second base and batted ninth. Although he struck out twice and finished without a hit, he managed to drive in a run with a groundout in Baltimore’s 7-5 victory.
“I would have liked to get some hits, but the whole experience was amazing,” Holliday said. “Winning and getting an RBI—it’s great just to be here.”
The 20-year-old drafted first in 2022 from an Oklahoma high school, is the son of Matt Holliday, a seven-time All-Star.
“Was I nervous? A little, but not too much,” Jackson Holliday said before the game. “I’m more excited than nervous. I got a taste of it during spring training, so I felt prepared.”
Holliday wore No. 7 for Baltimore, a number previously worn by Orioles’ legend Cal Ripken Sr. His son, Billy Ripken, was the last to wear it in 1988. The Ripken family gave their approval for Holliday to wear the number.
“Our family is thrilled that @J_Holliday7 will be wearing dad’s #7,” Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. posted on social media. “Excited to watch him play!”
Holliday became the second-youngest player in the majors behind Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio, who is also 20. “I’m sure he’s relieved and looking forward to playing tomorrow,” Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said.
Holliday, originally drafted as a shortstop, excelled in spring training this year. However, the Orioles wanted him to gain more experience at second base and against left-handed pitchers, so he was sent to Triple-A before being called up. In 10 games there, he performed well, hitting .333 with a .482 on-base percentage.
“That time in Triple-A was beneficial,” Holliday said. “I got a lot of at-bats and felt comfortable. My swing’s in a good spot, and I had some good at-bats against lefties, which was the main purpose of being down there.”
