July 10 (UPI) -- Detroit Tigers rookie Eduardo Valencia splinted a 2-1 fastball, cracking into the seams and sending the pitch 425 feet to center field for a solo homer in his first career at-bat.
"I was so excited," Valencia told MLB.TV after the 4-1 win over the Athletics on Thursday in Detroit. "I was waiting a lot for this, for my family, for Venezuela and I'm so excited."
Valencia held back tears during his postgame interviews as he dedicated the effort to his family and his earthquake-ravaged native country.
"This is for all Venezuelan people, for all my family, for all the coaching...They gave me everything," Valencia said.
Valencia, 26, made his MLB debut. The pinch hitter/designated hitter made a heart symbol after the home run for his wife, who was in attendance. His parents remain in Venezuela.
