So far, this post season, I am running 50 percent on my predictions – about where I’d be if I simply flipped a coin and wrote about the frequency of heads and tails.  I’m not doing myself any favors with my NLCS pick either. In this case, however, my fan’s heart may have eclipsed my analytical (or common) sense.

Me – A Braves’ fan since …

Smart money – and knowledgeable fans and analysts – are going with the Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.  I’m going against the grain – anticipating a hard-fought series and picking the Braves.  Let me explain part of the process that got me here.  I was a six-year-old living in Milwaukee when the Braves came to town.  I grew up on a baseball diet of Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, Lew Burdette, Billy Bruton (and many more, including the unexpected storm that was Bob “Hurricane” Hazle). The Braves were my first team and Eddie Mathews was my first hero (throughout my baseball and softball years, I always played third base and wore number 41).  I have loyally followed the Braves (and their third sackers) through Mathews, Terry Pendleton, Bob Horner and Chipper Jones – right up to Austin Riley.

So, take that all into consideration as you ponder this prediction – still I think I can at lease a small case for my position. (However, most of the stats I will report here admittedly point to the Dodgers as taking this series.)

The Dodgers, who won 106 games to the Braves 88, also finished strong. LA went 50-21 from August 1 on, while the Braves went 44-28. 

On offense, the Dodgers led the National League with 830 runs scored and 5.12 runs per game.  Still, the Braves were not far behind at 790 runs and 4.91 runs per game (both third in the league). Both teams put up a .244 average and the Braves out-homered the Dodgers by two long balls (239-237). (Yes, I do acknowledge that the Braves played in a decidedly weaker division – but remember, I’m shooting a bit form the heart here.)

The Dodgers’ offense features five players who hit 20 or more home runs, even without the injured Max Muncy’s .249-36-94 stats. The leaders coming into the Championship Series include 2B Trea Turner (.338-10-28 in 52 games for LA); 3B Justin Turner (.278-27-87); and RF Mookie Betts (.264-23-58). There is also plenty of punch available from C Will Smith (25 home runs and 76 RBI); SS Corey Seager (.306, with 16 home runs in 95 games); OF A.J. Pollock (.297-21-69); and versatile Gavin Lux and Cody Bellinger (who seems ready to contribute after a difficult injury-dampened 2021 regular season). This lineup is strong and deep.

Freddie Freeman, steady power source. Photo by dougandme

Just as the Dodgers are missing the bat of Muncy, the Braves will miss Ronald Acuna Jr., who was .283-24-52 in 82 games, as well as trade deadline pickup Jorge Soler (.269-14-33 in 55 games for Atlanta). (Soler is on COVID restriction.) Still, they pack plenty of punch, with perhaps the most powerful infield in MLB right now: 1B Freddie Freeman (.300-31-83); 2B Ozzie Albies (.259-30-106); 3B Austin Riley (.303-33-107); and SS Dansby Swanson (.248-27-88).  The outfield will be some combination of Guillermo Heredia; Adam Duvall; Joc Pederson; and Eddie Rosario. While the Dodgers may be a bit deeper, I think the heart of the Braves’ lineup may be more explosive.

On the mound, it appears (at first examination) to be all Dodgers. Their 3.01 earned run average was the lowest in the majors . Even without Clayton Kershaw, they can put forth a starting trio of Walker Buehler (16-4, 2.47); Julio Urias (20-3. 2.96); and Max Scherzer (7-0, 1.98 for the Dodgers and 15-4, 2.46 overall). If a fourth starter is needed, Tony Gonsolin was 4-1, 3.23 (15 games / 13 starts).  The bullpen features Kenley Jansen (38 saves, 2.22 ERA); Blake Treinen (1.99 ERA in 72 games, with  seven saves); flame-throwing Brusdar Graterol (4.59 in 34 games); and Corey Knebel (2.45 in 27 games).

The Braves’ rotation looks solid: Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.34); Max Fried (14-7, 3.04); and Ian Anderson (9-5, 3.58). Will Smith (3.33 with 37 saves) will close, with support from Tyler Matzek (2.57 in 69  games); Luke Jackson (1.98 in 71 games); and A.J.Minter (3.78 in 61 games).

The Braves’ overall ERA of 3.89 does not compare well with the Dodgers 3.01 – but the Braves put up a 3.44 ERA after the All Star break,  (Side note:  the Dodgers’ ERA after the break was an even stingier 2.86).

So, given that the Dodgers’ lineup up and pitching staff both look deeper than the Braves, how can I pick Atlanta?  A few factors.  While the Braves were 2-4 versus the Dodgers during the regular season, the run totals were close (Dodges 27-Braves 23) and two of the Braves losses to the Dodgers were one-run games). Two, the Braves, who have home field advantage for the season, won two of three in Atlanta.  Three, the Dodgers had a tougher time getting to this point then the Braves (more competitive division, a Wild Card game, a tougher Division Series) – that may have taken a toll. Four, the Braves, by virtue of wrapping up their Series with the Brewers early, have had more time to set up their pitching staff. Five,  I’m not sure what the impact of the emotional high of getting past the Giants will have on the Dodgers going forward. Six, somehow I think the  Braves’ starting mound trio will be able to hold down the Dodgers’ offense better than the Dodgers can rein in the Braves’ big four. (Okay, so that’s more emotion than evidence.) Seven, Joc Pederson’s two pinch-hit home runs in the ALDS seem to have the “feel” of destiny. Finally, remember, this prediction is at least partially from the heart.

Ultimately, I expect a good series (much more competitive than most expect) and anticipate the Game One winner – Fried versus Scherzer – will take the Series.  I’ll go with the Braves – but logic seems to say otherwise.  MVP? Freddie Freeman or Max Fried. Besides, I’ve been fifty-fifty going with the “favorites.” Maybe it’s time to pick an underdog.

Side Note:  I have now lived in Minnesota for about five decades, so the Twins have my baseball fan’s heart.  However, I still have a soft spot for the Braves (my NL team of preference) – and I’ve even come to forgive them for the move to Atlanta.  (After all, Milwaukee did welcome them from Boston. )

Primary Resource: Baseball-Reference.com

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Okay, the Red Sox have surprised me more than once – beating the Yankees and the Rays – so I probably shouldn’t pick against them again.  However, I have to go with the Astros in the AL Championship Series.

Jose Altuve – Potential ALCS MVP.
Photo by apardavila

The reasons?  Pitching and defense – and, maybe, just a little bit of history. Clearly, these are two strong offensive clubs. During the regular season, the Astros averaged 5.33 runs per game (best in the AL), the Red Sox were close behind (fourth at 5.12). The Red Sox boast six players with 20+ home runs – and are led by 3B Rafael Devers (.279-38-113); DH JD Martinez (.286-28-99); RF Hunter Renfroe (.259-31-96); and SS Xander Bogaerts (.295-23-99). 1B Bobby Dalbec and CF Kiki Hernandez also have proven forces to be reckoned with.  The Astros counter with an equally strong lineup – three players with 30 or more 2021 home runs (plus 26 long balls out of SS Carlos Correa). Their offense is led by Correa (.279-26-92); RF Kyle Tucker (.294-30-92); DH Yordan Alvarez (.277-33-104); and 2B Jose Altuve (.271-31-83). And remember, this is a lineup in which 2021 AL batting champion 1B Yuli Gurriel (.319) hits seventh. And let’s not forget LF Michael Brantley and 3B Alex Bregman.  In short, both lineups are strong and deep.  Call it a wash.

Chris Sale – Will he be ready?
Photo by Keith Allison

Now, how about pitching? On the season, the Astros’ 3.76 ERA was fourth in the AL, the Red Sox 4.26 seventh. Neither team can turn to an “ace” starter. The Red Sox had just two pitchers with at least ten wins  (Nathan Eovaldi … 11-9, 3.75 and Eduardo Rodriguez … 13-8, 4.74).  The likely third starter is Chris Sale, who was 5-1, 3. 16 (making his 2021 debut in mid-August after March 2020 Tommy John surgery). Sale, however, was touched by the Rays for five runs in one innings in his first 2021 post-season appearance.  The Red Sox need him to be ready. If he is the Chris Sale of old (a true “ace”), he could be a difference maker.  The Astros had four starters with at least ten wins and look to go with the trio of Lance McCullers, Jr. (13-5, 3.16); Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14); and Luis Garcia (11-8, 3.80). On the season, Astros’ starters put up a 3.60 ERA, Red Sox starters 4.49). Edge: Houston.

The bullpens look evenly matched (Red Sox bullpen ERA at 3.99; Astros 4.06). Red Sox closer Matt Barnes had a 3.79 ERA with 24 saves); and he’ll be supported by Adam Ottavino (7-3, 11 saves, 4.21), Josh Taylor (3.40 in 61 games); and Garrett Whitlock 8-4, 1,96 in 46 games. Tanner Houck and Nick Pivetta could also come of the pen and play a key long relief role if a starter should falter (one of them could draw a start if Sale isn’t ready).  The Astros’ pen will be led by closer Ryan Pressly (26 saves, 2.25 ERA), with a supporting cast that will include: Kendall Graveman (3.13 in 23 games for the Astros); Ryan Stanek (3.42 in 72 games); and Christian Javier (3.55 in 36 games).

Finally, there is the defense – potentially critical in a tight series.  In 2021, the Astros made the fewest errors in the AL (69), the Red Sox the most at 108.  Notable edge: Astros.

Digging little deeper, The Astros won the season series against the Red Sox five games to two and outscored them  42-25.

Then again, the Red Sox come in “hot” on offense. In the Division Series, the Red Sox hit .341, with 56 hits, nine home runs and 26 runs against the  Rays’ lauded pitching staff.  The Astros hit “just” .288” with “only” 40 hits and four  home runs against the White Sox – but, they actually scored more runs in their four games set then the Red Sox did in theirs (31-26).  Another stat that caught my eye was that the Astros scored 18 two-out runs against the White Sox to eight for the Red Sox against the Rays. 

So, there it is.  I’m once again going against the Red Sox, but I expect a tough series with plenty of offense.   Astros in six.  Potential MVP?  I like Jose Altuve or Kyle Tucker.

Primary Resource:  Baseball-Reference.com

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Yesterday (September 10, 2021), Seth Beer made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He came on as a pinch hitter (for Christian Walker) in the top of the eighth inning with one out, no one  on and  the Diamondbacks trailing the Mariners 5-3.  Beer got his MLB career off with a bang, hitting a 1-1  pitch from Diego Castillo to deep right field for a home run. For Baseball Roundtable that was a much-awaited long ball.  Why? … you might ask.  After all, more than 120 players have homered in their first MLB at bat. True enough, but Baseball Roundtable had recommended readers keep an eye on Beer as long ago as 2017 – after his freshman year at Clemson University.  With that in mind, I’d like to:

• Revisit that original post (from January 26, 2017); and
• Update readers on Beer’s path to the big leagues.

First, that original post.

________________________________________________________________

Baseball and Beer – Clemson Baseball and Seth Beer – A Winning Combination

Published January 26, 2017 in Baseball Roundtable

Robin Ventura, Jason Varitek, Todd Helton, Mark Teixeira, Jered Weaver, Alex Gordon. David Price, Buster Posey, Stephen Strasburg, Kris Bryant.  What ballplayer wouldn’t want to be mentioned in the same breath as these stars?  Well, a young outfielder with a perfect baseball name – Seth Michael Beer – and tremendous baseball potential already is.

Seth Beer – first freshman Dick Howser Trophy winner – helped lead the Clemson Tigers to the 2016 ACC Title. Photo courtesy Clemson University.

Playing right field and batting in the three-spot for 2016 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Champion Clemson University, the 6’3”, 200-pound Beer joined the previously noted MLB All Stars in earning the Dick Howser Trophy as the national college baseball player of the year.  And, he did it in dramatic fashion. Not only did Beer become the first freshman to earn the recognition, he did it after leaving high school early to attend Clemson.  Basically, he earned collegiate player of the year honors when he very well could have been enjoying  his senior year at Lambert (GA) High School.

Now, as regular followers of Baseball Roundtable know, during the off-season, this blog has a tendency to look back nostalgically at what some members of my family call “antique baseball.” Witness recent posts on Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn (click here) and 1957 Braves’ hero Bob “Hurricane” Hazle (click here). In this post, however, I’d like to look toward the future – and share with readers a little bit about an individual who is truly a player to follow as he continues his college – and moves on to a major league – career.

THE NUMBERS

A lot of Roundtable readers are deep into statistics, so let’s start our look at Seth Beer with a few numbers.

As a college freshman, Beer played in 62 games – hitting .369, with 13 doubles, 18 home runs, 70 RBI, 57 runs scored, 62 walks (versus 27 strikeouts) and 15 hit-by-pitches. He led Clemson to the Atlantic Coast Conference title, being selected team MVP – after leading the squad in batting average, home runs, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and outfield assists.  Can I say it again – as a freshman.

High School – A Precursor

Seth Beer’s performance on the diamond for the Clemson Tigers should be no surprise. In two seasons of high school baseball, Beer hit .537, with 12 home runs, 61 RBI, 44 runs scored, 30 walks (15 strikeouts) in 48 games.  As a pitcher, he went 3-1, with a 1.80 ERA, striking out more than a batter an inning. (High school stats from maxpreps.com.) Beer earned six high-school athletic letters (three in baseball, two in football and two in swimming) and was a national high-school All American in baseball as a sophomore and a junior.

THE CHARACTER

Seth Beer. Photo: Courtsy of Clemson University.

Then, of course, there is character.  Majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Beer was an Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honor Roll Member and All-ACC Academic selection.

And, while he definitely has his sights set on a major-league career (and cites his parents as the biggest influence in his life and baseball), Beer told Baseball Roundtable that “After my playing career, I want to be involved in helping others, specifically with homeless shelters.”

Beer’s coach at Clemson, who has called Beer the best freshman he’s ever seen, also praised the young star’s work ethic and quiet leadership.  “Seth is more of a quiet leader and leader by example,” Clemson Coach Monte Lee said. “As he gets older, he will become more of a vocal leader. Players really look up to him because of his work ethic.”

Character is also reflected in Beer’s Dick Howser Trophy selection.  In presenting the Award, DH Trophy Chair David Feaster said “Seth Beer truly deserves this national honor.  His status as a national player of the year as a freshman is a history-making moment. In just a short time, he has exhibited the Dick Howser traits of excellent performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage.”

ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION

I should emphasize here that the Dick Howser Trophy was not the only recognition Seth Beer earned as a college freshman.  Here are just a few of the additional honors Beer received in his first season at Clemson:

• College Sports Madness Player of the Year (first freshman winner);
• First Team All American by American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, College Sports Madness, D1Baseball, National College Baseball Writers Association, and Perfect Game;
• Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year (first freshman winner); and, of course;
• A host of awards reserved for college freshman, including National Freshman Player of the Year by Baseball America, College Sports Madness, D1Baseball and Perfect game, as well as several freshman All-American honors.

Baseball Roundtable is introducing readers to Seth Beer in this post because I believe he is a player and young man to watch – and that, someday, you will be able to see his baseball skills, leadership and positive character on a major-league field near you.  I might add (see the box below), the odds seem to be in his favor.

The Dick Howser Trophy

The Dick Howser Trophy was established in 1987 to honor the national college baseball player of the year. The Award is named after Dick Howser – twice an All American shortstop at Florida State University, an eight-season major-league player (1961 All Star) and eight-season major league manager (1985 World Series Champion) – who passed away in 1987, at age 51, of brain cancer. From 1987-1998 the winners were selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association.  Since 1999, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has made the selection.

How much of an indicator of future success is this honor?  Of the 28 winners (Brooks Kieschnick of the University of Texas is the only two-time winner):

• 24 became MLB First-Round draft picks;
• 24 went on to play in the major leagues;
• 13 became MLB All Stars;
• Three became Rookies of the Year – Jason Jennings, Buster Posey, Kris Bryant;
• Two were selected first overall in the MLB draft – David Price,  Stephen Strasburg;
• One went on to win a league MVP Award – Buster Posey; and
• One captured a Cy Young Award – David Price.

Base ball Roundtable’s advice?  Track Seth Beer’s sophomore season – and beyond. If you are in a fantasy league with “reserve keepers,” consider drafting him now.  Start saving now for an MLB jersey with “Beer” and his number proudly displayed on the back.

In the meantime, BBRT says congratulations to Clemson and Seth Beer on a tremendous 2016 season – and the best of luck for the coming campaign.

______________________________________________________________________

So, that post was Baseball Roundtable’s readers’ introduction to Seth Beer (I have to get a Beer jersey, that just says baseball all the way). Now an update on Beer’s path to the “bigs.”

In 2017, Beer hit .298, with 16 homers and 53 RBI, 64 walks and 14 hit-by-pitches  (.478 on-base percentage). He led his Clemson squad in home runs, RBI, total bases, slugging percentage (.606), walks, intentional walks (17), hit by pitch and on-base percentage.  After winning the Dick Howser Trophy as a Freshman, Beer was a semi-finalist for the recognition in his second college season. Among his honors were a second-team all American selection by the National College Baseball Writers Association and a second-team All Atlantic Coast Conference Selection.

Target Practice

In three collegiate baseball seasons (188 games), Seth Beer was hit by a pitch 42 times. 

In 2018, Beer was once again a semi-finalist for the Dick Howser Award and was selected a first-team All American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, College Sports Madness, Collegiate Baseball, d1Baseball and the National College Baseball Writers Association – and was a first-team All Atlantic Coast Conference selection. He earned these (and more) honors with a .301-22-54 season, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in homers, total bases (145) and slugging percentages (.642) – and finishing in the top five in walks (54), on-base percentage  (.456) and  runs scored (64). He was also hit by a pitch 13 times.

In 2018, Clemson was 20-2 in games in which Seth Beer hit a home run.

The list of collegiate accomplishments could go on and one, but you get the idea.

All of this earned Beer a first round (28^th overall) selection in the 2018 MLB draft (Astros).

He launched his pro career (as an OF/1B) as a 21-year-old in 2018 – putting up  a .304-12-42 line at A and High-A (67 games). In 2019, he played at High-A and Double-A and went .289-26-103 in 122 games.  (He was traded to the Diamondbacks in July of that season, in a transaction that sent 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Grienke to the Astros).

Beer began the 2021 season at Triple A Reno and hit.287-16-59 in 100 games before his call up to the D-backs.

Still a Target

In three-minor-league seasons (289 games), Seth Beer has been hit by a pitch 72 times. 

All I can say is keep watching. It looks like  this might be quite a ride – a major-league Beer run.

Primary Resources: Baseball-References.com; ClemsonTigers.com

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Photo by Ryosuke Yagi

On this date (July 27) in 1998, Cubs’ RF Sammy Sosa launched his 39^th and 40^th homers of the season – as the Cubs topped the Diamondbacks 6-2 in Arizona, with Sosa driving in all six runs. Just as significantly, the second of those homers – in the eighth inning off Alan Embree – was a Grand Slam. It came in Sosa’s tenth MLB season and was the 247^th homer of his career. It was also Sosa’s first-ever Grand Slam, giving him (more proof of #InBaseballWeCountEverything) the MLB record for the most home runs ever for a player before hitting his first Grand Slam. After waiting more than nine seasons, 1,164 games and 246 home runs to hit his first round tripper with the bases full, Sosa’s next Grand Slam came just six innings later – in the fifth inning of the Cubs’  July 28 game against the Diamondbacks.  This time off Bob Wolcott (as the Cubs won 7-5).  Sosa ended his career with nine Grand Slams among his 609 regular-season home runs.

Now on the very same day that Sosa hit his first MLB Grand Slam, approximately 980 miles away, Tyrone Horne of the Double A Arkansas Travelers became the first (and still only) professional player to complete a home run cycle (solo, two-run, three run and Grand Slam home run all in the same game). He accomplished the feat on the road against the San Antonio Mission – in a 13-4 Arkansas win. For the full story on Horne and career, click here.

Well, these July 27^th events, centering on Grand Slams, led Baseball Roundtable to dig a little deeper into “Ducks-Full Dingers.”

Did you know, for example, that hitting two Grand Slams in a game is even rarer than hitting four home runs in a contest or pitching a perfect game.?  Here’s the list.

And, here are a few tidbits about those two-Grand Slam games (you can check the details like teams and dates off the chart above):

• Fernando Tatis (Sr.) is the only player to hit two Grand Slams in one inning. They were the first two Grand Slams of his MLB career. Tatis’ eight RBI in an inning also remain an MLB record.
• Twelve of the thirteen two-Grand Slam games were accomplished on the road. Only Nomar Garciaparra hit his pair of bases-full blasts in front of a home crowd.
• The Red Sox’ Bill Mueller is the only player to hit a Grand Slam from both batter’s boxes in the same game – and he hit them in the consecutive innings. In the seventh inning, right-handed off Rangers’  southpaw Aaron Fultz and, in the eighth inning, left-handed off righty Jay Powell.
• The first National Leaguer to hit two Grand Slams in a game was Braves’ pitcher Tony Cloninger. He also threw a complete-game, seven-hitter that day (three runs, two walks, five strikeouts).
• Rudy York and Fernando Tatis are the only two on the list to hit both Grand Slams off one pitcher. The Cardinals’ Tatis hit both of his off the Dodgers’ Chan Ho Park (and, of course, in the same inning – the third). The Red Sox’ York hit both of his Slams off the Athletics’ Ted Shirley (one in the second inning an done in the fifth).
• Tony Lazzeri, Jim Tabor, Nomar Garciaparra and Bill Mueller each had three home runs in their two-Grand Slam Games.

Career Leaders in Grands Slams

Alex Rodriguez                  25

Lou Gehrig                          23

Manny Ramirez                 21

Eddie Murray                     19

Willie McCovey                 18

Robin Ventura                   18

Leader among active players: Albert Pujols – 15

A couple of single-season Grand Slam tidbits:

• Yankee Don Mattingly’s single-season record six Grand Slams in 1987 were the only Grand Slams of his 14-season MLB career.
• When the Orioles’ Jim Gentile hit a then-record-tying  five Grand Slams in 1961, everyone of his five bases-loaded blasts came in a game in which the Baltimore starter was Chuck Estrada.  Gentile, in face, hit only one other Grand Slam in his career – in a game started by (you guessed it) Chuck Estrada.

That’ll Do in a Pinch

Four players share the record for most career pinch-hit Grand Slams (three) – Ben Broussard (Indians/Mariners); Willie McCovey (Giants); Ron Northey (Cardinals/Cubs); and Rich Reese (Twins).

A trivia tidbit on Reese.  His record-tying three pinch hit Grand Slams  were the only Grand Slams in his 10-season MLB career (866 games/2225 plate appearances/200 pinch-hitting appearances).

Let’s Get this Party Started

While 126 players have homered in their first MLB at bat, only four of those long balls were Grand Slams.  The players with Grand Slams in their first at bat include: Bill Duggleby (Phillies – 1898);  Jeremy Hermida (Marlins – 2005); Kevin Kouzmanoff (Indians – 2006); Daniel Nava (Red Sox – 2010).   The last two of those, poked those four-run shots on the very first MLB pitch they ever faced.

• Kevin Kouzmanoff started his first MLB game at DH (batting seventh) for the Indians on September 2, 2006. The opponents were the Rangers (in Texas), with Edison Volquez on the mound. In the top of the first, Kouzmanoff came to bat with the sacks full and two out – and rapped the first pitch from Volquez over the CF fence for a Grand Slam. It was his only hit in four at bats, as the Indians triumphed 6-5. Kouzmanoff played seven MLB seasons (2006-2011, 2014).  He hit .257-87-371, with three Grand Slams.
• Daniel Nava made his first MLB start as a member of the Red Sox on June 12, 2010. He was batting ninth and playing left field, as the BoSox faced the Blue Jays (and starter Joe Blanton) in Fenway. In the bottom of the second frame, Nava came to bat for the first time in an MLB game – with the based loaded, no outs and the Red Sox up 1-0. He hit the first Blanton offering deep to RF for a Grand Slam. Nava had a home run and a double in four at bats, as the Red Sox won 10-2. Nava played seven MLB seasons (2010, 2012-17), hitting .266-29-206 in 589 games. He hit two Grand Slams.

The Ultimate Slam

I have often said “In baseball we count everything,” and, if it’s not already counted, we find a way to make it countable.  Hence, the “Ultimate Grand Slam” – a walk-off Grand Slam in the bottom of the final inning of a game when your team trails by three runs.   The “count” shows thirty such Ultimate Grand Slams – by thirty different players.  A handful stand out.

• Babe Ruth, Jason Giambi and Ryan Roberts notched Ultimate Slam in extra innings.

Ruth hit his in the bottom of the tenth of a September 24, 1925 game against the White Sox at Yankee Stadium. The game had been tied 2-2 after nine frames, the White Sox tallied three in the top of the tenth, before Ruth’s Ultimate Slam put it away for New Yorkers 5-4.

Giambi hit his in the bottom of the fourteenth inning of a May 17, 2002 game between his Yankees and the Minnesota Twins. The game was tied at nine after nine. The Twins, like the White Sox above, plated three runs in the top of the 14^th, before the Giambi Ultimate Slam gave New York the 13-12 win,

Roberts hit his Ultimate Slam in the tenth inning of a September 27, 2011 matchup between his Diamondbacks and the Dodgers. The game was knotted at 1-1 after nine innings, when the Dodgers exploded for five runs in the top of the tenth. The game looked safely packed away as Arizona reliever Blake Hawksworth retired the first two batters in the bottom of the inning.  What followed was a single by RF Cole Gillespie, a single by  C Miguel Montero (Gillespie going to third); a walk to CF Chris Young;  PH John McDonald safe on an error with one run scoring; a pitching change (Javy Guerra for Hawksworth); a walk to 2B Aaron Hill forcing in a run (leaving the base loaded and the score 6-3); and, finally, Roberts’ Ultimate Slam –  giving the Diamondbacks a 7-6 win, with six runs scoring after the Dodgers had the Diamondbacks down to their last out, with the bases empty.

• For sheer excitement no Ultimate Slam can beat the one Roberto Clemente hit on July 25, 1956. The Pirate were trailing the Cubs 8-5, when Clemente came to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs. Facing Jim Brosnan, Clemente drove a high-and-inside pitch off the light standard in left field. As the ball ricocheted off the light standard and rolled along the warning track, all three runners scored – and then a sliding Clemente, beat the relay throw, and slid across the plate.  Note: Clemente ran through the coach’s stop sign at third base. It remains the only inside-the-park Ultimate Slam.
• 2011 is the only year with three Ultimate Slams (Travis Hafner (Indians); Brian Bogusevic (Astros); Ryan Roberts (Diamondbacks).

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer:  The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change (primarily additions) as Major League Baseball recognizes and fully incorporates Negro League records from 1920-48 into the MLB record book.

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On this date (July 9), fifty years ago, the California Angels were in Oakland to take on the A’s.  It didn’t seem like much of a matchup.  The A’s were 55-29 in first place in the AL West, while the Angels were in fourth place, nine games under .500 (40-49) and 17 ½ games out.  Further, the A’s were starting ace Vida Blue 17-3, 1.51 at the time, while the Angels starter was Rudy May at 4-5, 3.24. Side note:  The 21-year-old Blue was on his way to a 24-8, 1.82 season that would earn him the AL Cy Young and MVP Awards.  The 26-year-old May would end the season 11-12, 3.02.

It proved, however, to be a very competitive matchup – going just over five hours (20 innings) and ending in a 1-0 score. Ironically the Angels lost to the A’s on a walk-off, run-scoring single by a player named Angel (A’s rookie RF Angel Mangual). In the process:

• The two teams fanned a total of  43 times, at the time the MLB record for combined whiffs in a game (since broken) – and still the American League record. (On May 7, 2017, the Yankees and Cubs fanned a combined 48 times.)
• Angels’ batters  whiffed 26 times – still a single-game, single-team record, but since tied by the: Yankees (vs. White Sox – May 7, 2017); Dodgers (vs. Brewers – June 2, 2017); and Mets (vs. Braves – August 8, 2019).
• Career MLB strikeout leader Reggie Jackson started for the A’s, but did not strikeout in four plate appearances (one walk).
• Twenty different batters struck out during the game (nine for the Angels, 11 for the A’s); 12 of those 20 struck out more than once.
• The number-three and number-four Angels’ hitters accounted for just over  one-quarter of all the strikeouts: LF Billy Cowan, batting third, went 0-for-8, with six strikeouts and RF Tony Conigliaro, batting cleanup, went 0-for-8 with five strikeouts.
• There were 18 hits in the contest – 17 singles and one double (Angels’ catcher Jerry Moses).
• The hitting “star” of the game was the A’s Angel Mangual, not only did he drive in the winning run, he had three hits and a walk in nine plate appearance and did not strikeout. (The only other player to play the full game and not fan at least once was A’s 3B Sal Bando – four walks in four plate appearances).
• 36 players were used: 20 by the A’s; 16 by the Angels.
• A couple of A’s pitchers with good nicknames appeared, but not on the mound. Blue Moon Odom was used as a pinch runner and Catfish Hunter as a pinch hitter.
• Tony LaRussa came into the game for the A’s at SS in the tenth, struck out in his only at bat (to end the 12^th) and was lifted for a pinch hitter with the bases loaded and two out in the 14^th.

In the game, Vida Blue threw 11 scoreless frames (seven hits, no walks, 17 strikeouts; while May went 12 innings (just three hits, six walks and 13 strikeouts). Rollie Fingers pitched seven innings in relief (zero runs, two hits, one walk, seven strikeouts). The win went to Darold Knowles, the loss to Mel Queen.

Twenty Strikeouts by One Team in a Nine-Inning Game.

The record for strikeouts by a team in a nine-inning game is twenty and it’s been done six times. Five of those were AL teams and one was an NL squad (and the NL team that fanned twenty times  has since moved to the AL).  Notably, in four of those games the starting pitcher went the distance.

In the four nine-inning games in which a single pitcher recorded 20 strikeouts – not a single walk was issued.

Side note: On May, 2001, Randy Johnson of the Diamondbacks fanned 20 batters  (no walks) over nine innings, but left the game with the scored tied 1-1.  The Diamondbacks eventually won 4-3 in 11 innings, with five D-backs’ relievers fanning only more batter over two innings. 

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; NationalPastime.com

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