Chicago Cubs: Ranking the top five debuts of all-time

Cubs: Starlin Castro showing off his swag in Cincinnati

The final great debut and number one on the list is the inauguration of Starlin Castro. Arriving on the scene in May of 2010 after signing a big contract as a top international prospect from the Dominican Republic, Castro sent Cubs fans into a frenzy with his debut performance.

In a high-scoring affair on the road in Cincinnati, the rookie knocked the cover off the ball and single-handedly accounted for nearly half of the Cubs’ runs that night. The highly-touted prospect finished the night 2-for-5, a triple, home run, and six RBI. His first career at-bat is one he and Cubs fans will never forget.

After a walk and single to the first two batters of the inning, Castro stepped in. Facing a 2-2 count versus Reds starter Homer Bailey, Castro launched one to the opposite field for a three-run home run. A few innings later, Castro stepped in with the bags full. This time facing a 3-2 count, Castro sent a ball into the gap and to the wall, clearing the bases.

Castro’s debut has to go down as one of the all-time greats across baseball. Indeed, the Cubs. The kid from the Dominican Republic would finish his rookie season as a .300 hitter. Throughout his Cubs career, Castro earned the all-star nod in three of the six seasons. All of it aside, however, Castro put himself on the map from day one.