grand slam
What is the definition of a grand slam?
1. A grand slam is a home run that has a runner on every base, resulting in four runs on one home run. A grand slam can be a standard out-of-the-park home run or an inside-the-park home run.
What is a grand slam in baseball?
A grand slam is a type of hit in baseball that scores four runs for the batting team in one play. It happens when the batter hits a home run while three other runners are already on base. A grand slam is a rare and exciting event which can quickly shift the game’s momentum in favor of the batting team.
How many runs does a grand slam score?
A grand slam scores four runs. Three runners must already be on base for a hit to be a grand slam. These three baserunners, plus the batter who hit the home run for the grand slam, each score a run.
What is the difference between a grand slam and a home run?
The main difference between a grand slam and a home run in baseball is the number of runs they score. A home run always scores at least one run. A grand slam is a specific type of home run which scores four runs. A home run can be hit at any time, but a grand slam can only happen when three other runners are already on base.
What is the difference between a grand slam and a grand slam walk-off?
A grand slam is a hit that scores four runs when the batter hits a home run with three other runners already on base.
A walk-off grand slam is a special type of walk-off home run that happens when the game-winning run is scored on a grand slam hit. When a walk-off grand slam occurs, the game ends immediately with a win for the batting team.
What is an ultimate grand slam?
An ultimate grand slam is a specific type of walk-off grand slam. This happens when a player hits a grand slam when their team is down by three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning or any extra innings, resulting in a walk-off victory. It’s called an “ultimate” grand slam because it’s the most dramatic and exciting grand slam possible.
As of 2022, there have been 32 ultimate grand slams in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
What happens to the runners on base when a grand slam is hit?
When a grand slam is hit in baseball, each runner on base crosses home plate and scores a run. The home run hitter also scores for a total of four runs.
Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports
Why is it called a grand slam in baseball?
The term “grand slam” in baseball comes from the card game Whist, a predecessor of Bridge. In both Whist and Bridge, a grand slam is when a player wins all 13 tricks.
When baseball became popular in the 19th century, the term “grand slam” was adopted into the sport to describe a home run with the bases loaded since this hit leads to scoring the maximum possible number of runs in a single at-bat.
How long has the term “grand slam” been used in baseball?
The term “grand slam” has been used in baseball since the late 1800s, when it was adopted from a card game that was popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Can a grand slam be hit at any point during a game?
A grand slam can be hit at any point during a game when the bases are loaded. However, it’s a rare occurrence because it requires three players to get on base before the batter hits a home run.
Can a team win a game by hitting a grand slam?
A team can win a game by hitting a grand slam if they are losing by three or fewer runs when the grand slam is hit. This is called a walk-off grand slam or ultimate grand slam and ends the game.
Can an inside-the-park home run count as a grand slam?
An inside-the-park home run can count as a grand slam. Say the bases are loaded, and a batter hits a ball that stays within the field of play but is not caught by any fielders. If the batter and all three runners are able to circle the bases and score before the ball can be retrieved and thrown back to home plate, it is considered an inside-the-park grand slam.
How rare is a grand slam?
Grand slams are rare in baseball because they require the bases to be loaded and a batter to hit a home run.
In the 2022 MLB season, there were 115 grand slams hit over 2,430 games. That’s roughly equal to a grand slam being hit once every 21 games.
Are grand slams more common in certain ballparks or with certain types of pitchers?
There is no evidence to suggest that grand slams are more common in certain ballparks or with certain pitchers. The likelihood of a grand slam being hit depends on various factors, including the skill of the pitcher and the batting team, as well as the game’s circumstances.
However, some ballparks are known for being more hitter-friendly, potentially increasing the chances of a grand slam being hit.
Do grand slams happen more often in certain innings of the game?
Grand slams are thought to be more likely to occur in the later innings of a game when pitchers may be more fatigued or have been replaced by a weaker relief pitcher. This could result in teams having more runners on base later in the game while also increasing the odds of a home run being hit.
Is a grand slam in baseball the same as a grand slam in tennis?
A grand slam in baseball is entirely different from a grand slam in tennis. In tennis, a grand slam refers to winning all four major tournaments in a single year: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. In baseball, a grand slam is when a player hits a home run with loaded bases. It is not related to the tennis championships.
How do players and fans react when a grand slam is hit?
When a grand slam is hit, players on the batting team are typically very excited and will often celebrate with high-fives and hugs. Their fans will also cheer loudly. However, players and fans of the fielding team will usually be disappointed, as a grand slam can quickly turn the tide of a game.
What happens to the baseball when a player hits a grand slam?
When a player hits a grand slam, the baseball is usually retrieved by a member of the batting team and kept as a souvenir. Sometimes, the ball is also marked with the date and other details of the game.
Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
What are some of the most memorable grand slams in MLB history?
Baseball history is full of thrilling moments, and few are more exciting than a grand slam. Here are a few of the most unforgettable grand slams in Major League Baseball history.
Robin Ventura’s “Grand Slam Single”
In Game 5 of the 1999 National League Championship Series between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves, Mets third baseman Robin Ventura hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the 15th inning to give his team a 4-3 victory.
However, Ventura never actually completed his home run trot, as his teammates mobbed him between first and second base, and he was officially credited with a “grand slam single.” Nevertheless, it was an unusual and unforgettable moment that helped the Mets advance to the World Series.
Fernando Tatis’ Two Grand Slams in One Inning
In a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999, Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis made history by hitting two grand slams in a single inning off Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park. It was an incredible feat that had never been accomplished before, and it helped the Cardinals win the game 12-5.
Giancarlo Stanton’s 2022 Ultimate Grand Slam
In a game against the Pirates on September 20, 2022, New York Yankees player Giancarlo Stanton hit an exciting walk-off grand slam. This was the second time a Yankee hit an ultimate grand slam during the 2022 season, making the team one of only two in baseball history to achieve this feat in a single season. Stanton’s homer came after teammate Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run of the season in the same inning.
Who has the most grand slams in MLB baseball history?
The MLB player with the most grand slams of all time is Alex Rodriguez, who hit 25 grand slams during his career. He is followed by Lou Gehrig at 23 and Manny Ramirez at 21 grand slams.
Other notable players with high numbers of grand slams include Eddie Murray (19), Willie McCovey (18), Robin Ventura (18), Jimmie Fox (17), Carlos Lee (17) and Ted Williams (17).
Has anyone hit two grand slams in one game?
Thirteen players in MLB history have hit two grand slams in one game. The first player to achieve this feat was Tony Lazzeri with the New York Yankees in 1936, and the most recent was Josh Willingham with the Washington Nationals in 2009.
The following are all of the players who have hit two grand slams in a single game as of 2022:
- Tony Lazzeri
- Jim Tabor
- Rudy York
- Jim Gentile
- Tony Cloninger
- Jim Northrup
- Frank Robinson
- Robin Ventura
- Chris Hoiles
- Fernando Tatís
- Nomar Garciaparra
- Bill Mueller
- Josh Willingham
Who was the first player to hit a grand slam in a World Series game?
Elmer Smith was the first player to hit a grand slam in a World Series game. He accomplished this in Game 5 of the 1920 World Series while playing for the Cleveland Indians against the Brooklyn Robins.
How many grand slams did Babe Ruth hit in his career?
Babe Ruth hit 16 grand slams in his career. He was known for his incredible power hitting, and his ability to hit grand slams helped him become one of the greatest players in baseball history.
What is the record for the most grand slams in a single season?
The record for the most grand slams in a single MLB season is six. This record was set in 1987 by Don Mattingly with the New York Yankees and tied by Travis Hafner in 2006 with the Cleveland Indians.
Example of how grand slam is used in commentary
1. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Hamilton hits a walk-off grand slam to win the game 5-4.
Sports the term is used
1. Baseball
2. Softball
3. Tennis
Abbreviated as:
1. GS
