BOSTON—It wasn’t that long ago that Gunnar Henderson made his major league debut for the Orioles. On August 31st, 2022, Henderson began his major league career in Cleveland. Now, he gets to watch Jackson Holliday’s first game.
The 22-year-old Henderson will lead off and play shortstop. The 20-year-old Holliday will bat ninth and play second base. It could be the start of something big.
“You put yourself in those shoes again,” Henderson said. “Reliving your experience and knowing how exciting it is. I hope he takes his time and takes in the whole day and the experience of it all.”
The Orioles have won six of their first 10 games, scoring 24 runs in their first two. But until Tuesday’s 7-1 win over the Red Sox, their bats had been quiet.
“He’s going to put the bat on the ball,” Henderson said. “He’s got elite bat-on-ball skills and getting on base a lot. I feel like that’s what he’s done throughout his whole career. I’m looking forward to doing that up here and seeing what he can do.”
Henderson had a memorable debut. He homered and was 2-for-4, and his helmet flew off every time he ran the bases.
“I felt like I did a good job of soaking it all in, but it’s hard to in the moment,” he said. “Don’t take everything for granted because it only happens once.”
The Orioles’ starting lineup on Wednesday night features seven players who were first signed by the Orioles. Only rightfielder Anthony Santander and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn were not originally Orioles.
“It’s been really awesome seeing them all come up,” Henderson said. “Just the guys that have come and how they’ve all meshed together is really cool, and really blessed to be a part of it.”
Henderson thought Holliday was ready to play this spring with the Orioles.
“He’s obviously proven he can play at the highest minor league level,” Henderson said. “It’s only a matter of time before he came up here and proved himself at the big league level.”
Orioles lineup:
Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan O’Hearn DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Cedric Mullins CF
Colton Cowser LF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Jackson Holliday 2B