Dominic Smith made his Atlanta Braves debut on Saturday night, hitting a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals. The Braves won the game 6-2, with Smith becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a new team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Smith’s mother, Yvette LaFleuer, died of cancer earlier this month. He told reporters that he could feel her presence with him during the game. The Braves rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a six-run ninth inning, capped off by Smith’s historic home run. Fans returned the ball to Smith after the game, and teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. signed a baseball for the fan who caught and returned it.
Smith has played for six teams in his 10-year MLB career, including the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He left the Braves during spring training to be with his mother when she had a health scare. His teammates supported him throughout the process, and he expressed gratitude for their care and concern.
The walk-off grand slam was the first in franchise history since Brooks Conrad’s in 2010. Smith’s performance showcased his batting ability, which has become a key part of his role at this stage of his career.