Watch: Tigers' Javier Baez receives standing ovation upon his return to Wrigley Field 

Wrigley Field was on its feet to welcome Javier Baez at the plate during Tuesday's game between the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers. It was the shortstop's first game back since being traded by the Cubs to the New York Mets in July 2021. He spent seven and a half years at Wrigley Field, while also helping the Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Fittingly, Cubs fans gave Baez a standing ovation when he stepped up for his first at-bat. Chants of “Javy!” reverberated around the stadium. Baez, in response, raised his helmet to acknowledge the crowd's support.

“It’s always special to be here,” Baéz said before Tuesday’s game [via AP News]. “One of my kids was born here, so I can call it home. I grew up in this organization.”

Javier Baez recounts memories when Cubs were a force to be reckoned with

Javier Baez was an integral member of the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series-winning team. Before Tuesday's game, he looked back the time when the Cubs played without any fear:

"It’s always there, it’s always on my mind," Báez said. "I always try to remember that year, the way we played it was like we weren’t afraid of anyone, especially the other team. It was like asking them to score runs because we knew that we were going to score runs. That’s always going to be special."

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer tagged Javier Baez as an entertainer who helped them win a lot of games (via Yahoo Sports):

“I thought his fearlessness was his greatest attribute,” Hoyer said Tuesday. “Any moment, he didn’t care. He wanted the big stage. … I think that’s really what made him successful in those big moments, was that he was fearless.

“He’s a special player and a special entertainer. I don’t like the way this chapter of his career has gone, I know he’s struggled. I have super fond memories of him. He helped us win a lot of games here, and as a result, he’ll always be a fan favorite, as he should," he added.

After the end of the 2021 season, Baez signed a six-year, $140 million deal with the Detroit Tigers in free agency. However, he hasn't looked well of late, only hitting below .250 since signing the deal.

This year, he has been even worse, hitting only .182 so far this season. In Tuesday's game, he went 0-for-4 and was struck out in as many at-bats.