Downtown El Paso’s own Overfly Sports has earned national attention after its handcrafted bat helped St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez make Major League Baseball history. The 23‑year‑old slugger stepped up to the plate against the Chicago Cubs in August and, using the custom bat built by Overfly, became the first player ever to hit a home run in each of his first three major‑league at‑bats.
Local craftsmanship meets the big leagues
Overfly Sports, founded by longtime baseball enthusiast Rosemary Garcia, specializes in hand‑crafted wooden bats for players at every level. Garcia says the shop’s dedication to quality and personalized design attracted Baez’s representatives, who wanted a bat that could handle the power and feel the young outfielder desired for his debut.
“We built the bat to the exact specifications Baez requested—weight, balance, and a specific grain pattern that gives him confidence at the plate,” Garcia explained. “Seeing it travel from our shop to a major‑league stadium and then watching Joshua make history is a proud moment for our whole team.”
Baez’s record‑setting performance
Baez’s debut came on a bright August evening at Wrigley Field. After a quiet first at‑bat, he launched a towering home run in his second and followed it with another in his third, sealing a historic trifecta that no player in MLB history has ever achieved. The feat not only highlighted Baez’s raw talent but also shone a spotlight on the small business that supplied his bat.
Baseball analysts praised Baez’s power, but many also noted the significance of a locally‑made bat playing a role in such a milestone. “It’s a reminder that great equipment can come from any corner of the country, even a boutique shop in El Paso,” said former MLB pitcher and local sports commentator Carlos Mendoza.
Impact on the El Paso community
The story has resonated throughout the city, drawing attention to El Paso’s growing reputation as a hub for skilled artisans and sports equipment manufacturers. Local retailers reported a surge in interest for Overfly’s bats, with several youth leagues placing new orders for the upcoming season.
City officials, including Mayor Oscar Leeser, praised the achievement as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in El Paso. “When a home‑grown business contributes to a moment of national sports history, it reflects the hard work and dedication of our community,” the mayor said in a statement.
Looking ahead
Garcia says Overfly Sports is preparing for increased demand while staying true to its handcrafted approach. “We’ll continue to work closely with players, big‑league and local alike, to provide the best possible equipment,” she affirmed.
Baez’s historic debut is already being celebrated by fans across the country, and Overfly Sports is poised to enjoy a lasting legacy in baseball lore—one bat at a time.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
