“It’s a dream come true,” Jackson Chourio talks about his HISTORIC MLB debut in Brewers’ 3-1 victory over Mets

Jackson Chourio becomes the youngest MLB player to debut as the team’s leadoff hitter in modern AL/NL history for Opening Day

Jackson Chourio [Image Credit: Imago]

Milwaukee Brewers started off the Opening Day with a BANG! Not only did the team win 3-1 over the New York Mets, but they celebrated one of their youngest member’s iconic MLB debut. Jackson Chourio became the youngest MLB player to debut as their team’s leadoff hitter on Opening Day in modern AL/NL history.

The 20-year-old let the whole Citi Field crowd know why he got the leadoff position as he earned first career RBI, first career hit, and first career stolen base all in one game. “It’s a dream come true,” the outfielder noted after his game. Furthermore, he had his family come over to support him on his debut day which made it all the more worthwhile.

Chourio started off the game with a four-pitch walk against Mets pitcher Jose Quintana. He said he “really didn’t feel any nerves, or feel any pressure there,” through his interpreter Daniel de Mondesert. His stolen base moment came right after that followed by his hit.

It actually makes me kind of happy knowing that I’m one of the younger ones out there.

Jackson Chourio as per David Adler of MLB.com.
During the post-game interview, he said he had as much fun as he possibly could and was thankful for the chance he got in the team’s opening lineup. Team’s first baseman Rhys Hoskins commented how manager Pat Murphy’s decision of “throwing him right in the fire” and “at the top of the lineup” made everyone convinced “what kind of baseball player he is.”

Chourio’s family was also in the stands and their presence made it an “an unforgettable day” for him. Furthermore, his first MLB hit ball will be handed to his father in a case to commemorate the day. He thanked his mom for giving him the opportunity to play baseball as “my mom stopped working” to give them the time to play the game that he and his brother Jaison love.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy and veteran Christian Yelich “super happy” for Jackson Chourio hit MLB debut

Jackson Chourio’s fateful day got signed in the form of an 8-year $82 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2023. Team manager Pat Murphy admitted how it must not have been easy to carry “that pressure and that responsibility” while coming into the big league with no prior experience.

Jackson Chourio [Image Credit: Imago]
He’s “super happy for him and his family” to get to experience the thrill of MLB. Murphy noted that he was confident in his ability to list him as the No.1 batter for the Opening Day. Although, he admits to having consulted team veteran Christian Yelich before naming him so.

Yelich just said, “Do it” as it would be a weight off Chourio’s chest. “Been on the other side” of it, the 32-year-old knows how nerve-wracking it can get, especially if it’s your debut day in MLB.

Rather than “sitting out there thinking”, he thought it would be good to let him run and get it out of his system. Needless to say, both his and Murphy’s decisions ended up with a triumphant result in the team’s 3-1 victory over the Mets.