After splitting the first two games of their four-game series against the Astros, the Baltimore Orioles seemed to be aiming for just a series split as Saturday’s game unfolded. The O’s found themselves down 2-0, and time was running out. Then, Jackson Holliday had a chance to change the game.
Holliday, baseball’s top prospect who has shown significant improvement since being recalled from Triple-A after a rough start in the majors, stepped up to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning. A hit would likely tie the game or even give the Orioles the lead, while an out would leave them trailing.
If Jackson Holliday gives the orioles the lead here I'll put my Christmas tree up tonight and leave it there the rest of the year
— Joel 🎄 (@JoelTweetsOs) August 24, 2024
As is often the case, an Orioles fan named Joel on X/Twitter made a promise: if Holliday gave the O’s the lead in this crucial at-bat, he would put up his Christmas tree and leave it up through the holidays (a nod to Holliday’s name).
And, as you might expect, we’re telling this story because of what happened next.
Jackson Holliday’s clutch double leaves Orioles fan celebrating Christmas early
Astros pitcher Tayler Scott was brought in to face Holliday, but the pitching change didn’t help. On the first pitch, Holliday ripped a double to right-center, clearing the bases and giving the Orioles a 3-2 lead.
Does the weekend count as a Holliday? pic.twitter.com/epc332VjLQ
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 24, 2024
It’s not uncommon for social media users to make bold promises like this and then not follow through. But Joel is a man of his word. By the end of the night, he had a Christmas tree up—though it was a small one—and he wished everyone a “Merry Christmas and a Happy Holliday!”
Sure, Shohei Ohtani is joining the 40-40 club, Aaron Judge might challenge his own American League home run record, and Bobby Witt Jr. could bat .350 this season. But how many players are making fans celebrate Christmas in August? Just Jackson Holliday.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holliday! pic.twitter.com/ivtSyaj6nd
— Joel 🎄 (@JoelTweetsOs) August 25, 2024
With the Orioles securing a win thanks to their young star, it was a Happy Holliday for everyone in Charm City. So why not celebrate like Joel?
