Braden Montgomery's White Sox debut a hit on the field — and in the booth

The story of Braden Montgomery's first major-league game could’ve been the script for a movie. And as luck would have it, the narrators were two legendary broadcasters.

Steve Stone and Bob Costas were in the Chicago Sports Network booth for a 1980s-themed broadcast with graphics and images of the era. Montgomery, though, is a big part of the White Sox’ present, and he announced his presence Tuesday with a two-run, walk-off homer in the 10th inning to cap a come-from-behind, 6-5 victory over the major-league-leading Braves.

Costas’ call: “Sends it in the air to left, it is back near the wall, it is over the wall for a game-winning home run! How about that? Talk about drama! Talk about theater!”

“I think Bob’s call at the end was wonderful,” Stone said. “We kind of both jumped out of our seats. The Hollywood ending for Braden Montgomery and the Sox; it doesn’t get any better theatre than that.”

Though Montgomery hit two walk-off homers last season with the High-A Winston-Salem Dash — both against the Bowling Green Hot Rods — this homer was obviously at another level. He became only the fifth player in major-league history to hit a walk-off homer in his debut.

“It’s something out of dreams,” Montgomery said after the game. “It’s something that I couldn’t have drawn up better myself. It’s a group effort. All the White Sox isn’t just us players; it’s a staff, it’s fans, it’s a city. It’s cool to all celebrate together.”

Montgomery wasn’t sure whether he’d be celebrating a victory or a tie game. He said he didn’t know whether the ball had enough to clear the left-field fence. It only traveled 343 feet.

“I thought it would at least get over [Mike Yastrzemski’s] head,” he said. “So I was excited that at least we didn’t lose.”

“It was just surreal [rounding third]. I couldn’t even hear anything. I was told the crowd was pretty loud.”

Such a dramatic start to a top prospect’s career — Montgomery is the Sox’ No. 2 prospect, according to MLB.com, behind infielder Caleb Bonemer — might give him a big head. But while Montgomery oozes with confidence, manager Will Venable said overconfidence isn’t a problem.

“He’s as grounded as they come,” he said Wednesday before Game 2 of the series against the Braves. “This is a guy that has really high expectations of himself. I’m sure he envisioned himself doing what he did last night. To be honest, I think the idea of what he can do in this league is as high as anybody else’s.”

Montgomery, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI, even had his elder namesake a little envious, considering he didn’t play because of a tight back.

“I had like FOMO [fear of missing out] last night, just not being a part of it,” shortstop Colson Montgomery said. “What he did last night, it was awesome. Everybody in here was so happy, so proud of him.”

Also, Braden’s debut was better.

“His was way better than mine,” said Colson, who debuted July 4 against the Rockies, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout. “I had that one catch [an acrobatic, diving play in short left field]. My exciting thing was a catcher’s interference. That’s about it. His was awesome.”

As impressive as Braden’s debut was, he’s far from a finished product at the plate and in the field. Playing right field, he overthrew the cutoff man on a hit, allowing the batter to take second base. He’s the latest of the 12 Sox players who have made their major-league debut this season, and there’s a learning curve for all of them.

But by the sound of it, Montgomery’s curve might not be quite as steep.

“He’s a total pro for such a young guy,” Venable said. “He has a great understanding of himself and the opportunity that he has.