It took one game for Owen Caissie to find his first Cubs rival

Chicago's top prospect didn't have the MLB debut he or the club hoped for, largely thanks to his new arch nemesis.
Chicago Cubs v Toronto Blue Jays
Chicago Cubs v Toronto Blue Jays | Mark Blinch/GettyImages

Chicago Cubs top prospect Owen Caissie came out firing in his inaugural MLB at-bat, swinging at the first pitch thrown to him. He got the barrel to the ball and made excellent contact on an up-and-away fastball from future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. It appeared to be No. 1 of numerous big-league hits for a talented youngster, but Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Davis Schneider had other plans.

Schneider wasted no time giving Caissie a "welcome to The Show" moment, spoiling a highly anticipated and special debut. The latter was living out a childhood dream, playing his maiden game at baseball's highest level in his home country. Alas, the former rained all over Chicago's budding slugger's parade with a highlight defensive effort.

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Blue Jays OF Davis Schneider spoils Cubs top prospect Owen Caissie's MLB debut

Caissie thought he ripped a gapper to left-center field, but he was quickly reminded that this isn't Triple-A. Players in the Majors move differently; they have more speed, athleticism and range, which was apparent with one swing. Schneider laid out for a diving catch, using his outstretched arms to corral what would've been at least a double.

Blue Jays center fielder Myles Straw was far from the action when Schneider robbed the Burlington, Canada, native. If the hit-saving grab attempt failed, Caissie could've become the 11th player in MLB history to record an inside-the-park homer as his first four-bagger. Instead, the result was an out, and a costly one at that.

Davis Schneider ruined Owen Caissie's MLB debut beyond robbing first hit

Of course, Caissie took a massive sentimental loss, ultimately going 0-for-4 in front of the Toronto crowd. He'll always remember his first big-league appearance, yet there's no denying the 23-year-old was deprived of an unforgettable memory. To make matters worse, Schneider's heroics can be seen as the difference in a highly contested 2-1 Blue Jays victory.

On top of plucking Caissie's liner, Schneider was on base for Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s game-leading two-run dinger. Toronto got ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning and never looked back, handing Chicago's premier minor leaguer his first loss with the Cubs.