Tigers SS Javier Báez receives a warm reception in his return to Wrigley Field

CHICAGO (AP) — Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez received a warm welcome in his return to Wrigley Field on Tuesday night.

Detroit’s series opener at Chicago was Báez’s first game at Wrigley since he was traded by the Cubs to the New York Mets in July 2021. The 31-year-old Báez spent his first 7 1/2 seasons in the majors with Chicago, helping the franchise to a historic World Series championship in 2016.

“It’s always special to be here,” Baéz said before Tuesday’s game. “One of my kids was born here, so I can call it home. I grew up in this organization.”

The Cubs paid tribute to Báez with a pregame highlight video. Before his first at-bat in the second inning, the crowd erupted with applause and chants of “Ja-vy!” in addition to a standing ovation. Báez took a moment to raise his batting helmet in response before stepping up to the plate.

Báez was selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 2014.

Báez was an integral part of the Cubs’ title-winning team in 2016. He hit .375 in the NLDS and earned NLCS co-MVP honors against the Los Angeles Dodgers before helping the franchise win its first championship in 108 years.

The Puerto Rican-born infielder made the NL All-Star team in 2018 and 2019. But he has struggled since he signed a $140 million, six-year contract with Detroit in December 2021.