Rookie Carson Benge made a striking debut for the New York Mets on March 26, 2026, hitting his first major league home run during their 11-7 Opening Day victory over the Pirates. Despite striking out twice initially, he showcased resilience by earning a walk and later hitting a home run, celebrating with teammates and a packed crowd. His debut also included a bizarre moment when a bird fell nearby, prompting fan chants for him to pick it up, which he humorously declined. Benge expressed gratitude for his family and friends’ support, labeling the experience as “everything and more.”
