NORMAL, Ill. – Former Illinois State star Paul DeJong made a splash in his Major League Baseball debut on May 28 when, in his first big league plate appearance, the former Redbird cleared the left-field fence with a pinch-hit home run.
DeJong became the ninth St. Louis Cardinal to homer in his first at-bat when he connected against MLB saves leader Greg Holland. He also became the second Illinois State alum to homer in a big league game, joining Redbird legend Dave Bergman.
Since then, DeJong has found steady playing time at second base, even after the return of Kolten Wong, whose disabled-list stint prompted DeJong's call-up.