History was made in St. Louis yesterday, which is saying a lot considering the more than a century of success for the Cardinals. While the franchise is a household name, the player is not. Nope. Iván Herrera, a 24-year-old catcher from Panama, put on a show that even legends like Yadier Molina and Ted Simmons never pulled off in their storied careers.
That’s right. Three home runs in one night in one game, which was one absolutely unforgettable performance.
When Herrera first signed with the Cardinals, the kid was just happy to be in the same system as his idol, Yadi. Fast-forward to Wednesday night, and Herrera chiseled his name onto the stone tablet that is the St. Louis Cardinals record book. It wasn’t just about the long balls or the RBI’s. It was about making history in a ballpark full of tradition, in front of a fanbase that knows greatness when it sees it.
Hererra is not the only young player showing promise. Victor Scott II is tearing up the base paths.
Iván Herrera Record Breaking Recap:
First came a solo shot off Yusei Kikuchi in the fourth inning.
Then in the sixth, Iván Herrera went yard again. This time, a two-run rocket to give the Cards a 3-1 lead.
The record breaking performance didn’t stop there. Oh no. In the eighth inning, on a 2-0 count, Herrera crushed a pitch from Brock Burke 425 feet into the third deck.
Three home runs. Six RBIs. A walk. And a spot in the record books.
“I’ve never hit three home runs in my life,” Herrera said postgame, still riding the adrenaline wave. “Doing it in the big leagues, helping the team win… it’s a feeling I can’t even describe.”
This wasn’t just a big night—it was an all-time moment.
Herrera is now the fifth-youngest catcher in Major League history to hit three dingers in a single game. And his 12 total bases in a game the Cardinals won 12-5? That shattered the Cardinals’ catcher record, previously held by Willson Contreras who now mans first base.
Contreras was quick to give props: “That’s amazing. When you hit three home runs in a game and help the team win? That’s what matters most.”
And remember, Iván Herrera’s not even two full seasons into the majors. He debuted in 2022, just before his 22nd birthday. Indeed, he’s the everyday catcher and showing the kind of upside that’s got his manager buzzing.
“He’s always hit,” said Oliver Marmol. “And now he’s doing it against the best. His ceiling? Who knows. But it’s high.”
From Panama to the big leagues to baseball immortality in one night—Iván Herrera just made sure we’re all paying attention. Is it too soon to use the word ‘phenom?’
