Dodgers rookie James Outman hits HR in first MLB at-bat in historic debut

James Outman says he used to dream it. On Sunday, he lived it.

The 25-year-old outfielder made his MLB debut Sunday after being called up by the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the first at-bat of his MLB career, he put the Dodgers ahead with a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies. Outman launched a 1-1 pitch from German Marquez into the Rockies bullpen at Coors Field, much to the delight of his friends and family in the stands.

His fiancee documented the moment – and her reaction – from her perspective.

Outman wasn’t done. He followed up his home run with two more hits to go the first player in Dodger history to record a home run, three hits, three RBI and two runs scored in his MLB debut. His outburst at the plate led the Dodgers to a 7-3 victory. He did it all from the nine holes.

“It was a dream come true, I guess,” Outman told SportsNet LA “It’s kind of what I’ve envisioned ever since I was eight years old…

“As soon as I started swinging, I blacked out. I just told myself before the at-bat to relax because I knew I was going to have a lot of nerves. I just wanted to relax and let what I have made, for 20 years take over.”

[Set, hut, hike! Create or join a fantasy football league now!]

The Dodgers selected Outman in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft out of Cal State Sacramento. MLB.com rates him 17th in the Dodgers system. He certainly exceeded expectations on Sunday and likely got a few more looks at the big-league level.

“Historic — what a debut,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “Really fun to watch. You can just see his joy. A day that he’s dreamed of and for it to play out like this. Today was all about James Outman and I couldn’t be happier.”