It’s hard to believe that a single player could hit two grand slams in one inning, but it has happened. Grand slams are the ultimate display of power in baseball, and it’s one of the greatest accomplishments for a hitter. It’s even more impressive when a player hits two grand slams in one inning. It’s a feat that is so rare, that only a handful of players have ever accomplished it.
History of Grand Slams
Grand slams are one of the most exciting plays in baseball. They occur when a batter hits a home run with the bases loaded. A grand slam is worth four runs and is the most points a player can score in a single at-bat. Grand slams have been happening in baseball since the 1800s, but the term wasn’t coined until around the 1930s.
The First Grand Slam
The first recorded grand slam in history was hit by George “High Pockets” Kelly of the New York Giants in 1925. It was a dramatic moment as Kelly came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning. He hit the ball over the fence for a dramatic game-winning grand slam.
The First Player to Hit Two Grand Slams in One Inning
The first player to hit two grand slams in one inning was Bill Mueller of the Boston Red Sox in 2003. It was a remarkable feat as Mueller became the first player in major league history to accomplish the feat. The grand slams came in the top of the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers. Both grand slams came off of reliever Francisco Cordero.
Other Players Who Have Hit Two Grand Slams in One Inning
Since Mueller’s feat in 2003, there have been four other players who have accomplished the feat of hitting two grand slams in one inning.
• Carlos Delgado hit two grand slams in one inning for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2003.
• Mark Reynolds hit two grand slams in one inning for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008.
• Josh Willingham hit two grand slams in one inning for the Washington Nationals against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009.
• Travis Hafner hit two grand slams in one inning for the Cleveland Indians against the Chicago White Sox in 2011.
Most Grand Slams in a Career
Although hitting two grand slams in one inning is an incredible feat, hitting the most overall grand slams in a career is an even more impressive feat. The player with the most grand slams in a career is Alex Rodriguez, who hit 25 grand slams in his career. He is followed by Lou Gehrig and Manny Ramirez, who each hit 23 grand slams in their respective careers.
The Most Grand Slams in a Season
Hitting the most grand slams in a season is a remarkable feat. The player with the most grand slams in a single season is Travis Hafner, who hit three grand slams in 2007. He is followed by Don Mattingly and Jim Thome, who each hit two grand slams in a single season.
The Most Grand Slams in a Game
Hitting the most grand slams in a single game is an even rarer feat than hitting two grand slams in one inning. The player with the most grand slams in a single game is Fernando Tatis, who hit two grand slams in the same inning for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999.
Conclusion
Hitting two grand slams in one inning is an incredible accomplishment that only a handful of players have ever achieved. It’s a feat that is so rare, that it will likely never be repeated. But for the players who have accomplished the feat, it’s a moment that will live on in baseball history forever.