TAMPA, Fla. — Kameron Misner delivered a thrilling moment for the Tampa Bay Rays, smashing a game-ending home run that served as the perfect housewarming present. Displaced from their usual venue at Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton, the Rays are hosting their home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training site.
In the opening game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, Misner’s pivotal hit was a dramatic ninth-inning leadoff homer. Navigating the swirling winds, his shot to right field clinched a 3-2 victory for Tampa Bay, marking a memorable start to the season.
At 27 years old, the rookie etched his name into major league history by being the first ever to hit his maiden big league home run for a walk-off win on opening day, as per the Elias Sports Bureau.
“I hoped it would clear the fence, but you can never be sure,” Misner shared. Although originally set to play at Triple-A, with a reassignment to Durham on March 19, he was recalled when Richie Palacios sustained a finger fracture.
In front of a packed house of 10,046 spectators, including Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem, Misner arrived in the eighth inning as a defensive sub. His homer, a 351-foot shot, came off a high-velocity 97.4 mph fastball from Victor Vodnik, landing splendidly in the short porch mirroring Yankee Stadium dimensions.
A celebratory scene ensued as teammates Christopher Morel and Junior Caminero doused Misner with Powerade. “Feels like a scene straight out of a Hollywood flick,” commented Rays’ starter Ryan Pepiot. “To have your first home run be a walk-off—it doesn’t get more electrifying than that.”
Among those cheering him on were his father, Terry, mother, Stephanie, and sister, Brylee. Shortly after the game, the ball Misner sent into the stands was returned to him by the clubhouse assistant, Jerry Culkin.
Misner’s journey to this moment was a gradual progression. He didn’t hit a home run until his junior year at Poplar Bluff High School. Drafted 35th overall by Miami in 2019, Misner signed for $2.115 million before being traded to Tampa Bay in December 2021 in exchange for infielder Joey Wendle. He made his MLB debut on August 2, appearing as a pinch-runner against the Houston Astros.
Misner had one hit in his first stint before being sent down again, a 100.8 mph pitch hit against Oakland’s Mason Miller on August 22. “Our dugout went crazy for him; he’s very well-loved,” remarked Rays manager Kevin Cash. “He’s an easygoing guy, great for team morale.”
Raised on a Missouri farm, Misner’s roots are steeped in rural life. His association with cowboy boots and hats speaks of his country upbringing. “He’s the quintessential country boy,” noted Pepiot. “He always shows up in his cowboy attire.”
As a child, Misner engaged in rodeo, riding steers until his mother intervened. “Mom decided it was time for sports. Seeing her son’s first bull ride, she quickly put an end to it,” Misner recalled. “She made the switch to traditional sports.”
Misner’s shot has resonated beyond the field, affirming the unpredictable excitement baseball brings—and the resilience of a team temporarily uprooted but undeterred in spirit.