The hype machine around Atlanta Braves’ rookie Jason Heyward has been tremendous.  But in every situation that he has encountered, he has met it with extraordinary success.

His opening day performance was no different.

With his first swing in a major league game, Heyward deposited a 2-0 fastball from Carlos Zambrano into the Braves’ bullpen behind the right field wall.  The three-run homer set the tone for Atlanta’s blowout win over the Chicago Cubs, 16-5. 

The blast also figures to set the tone for what will be a brilliant career for Heyward.  He also delivered an RBI-single in the eighth inning.

Blessed with power, speed, agility and a strong arm, the youngster has Atlanta fans excited about what he can accomplish on the diamond.  Listed at 6″5″ and 240 lbs., the right-fielder had the fans ignited, and sparked the Braves to score 8 runs in the first two innings of the game.  The Braves also put up 6 runs in the eighth inning – adding more than enough insurance in a great opening day performance.