Grand Slam

A grand slam is a home run hit when the bases are loaded (runners on first, second, and third base). It scores four runs, the maximum possible on a single play, making it one of the most exciting moments in baseball.

Why It's Called a "Grand Slam"

The term comes from contract bridge, a card game where a "grand slam" means winning all possible tricks. In baseball, it similarly represents the maximum achievement, scoring every possible runner with one swing.

Grand Slam Rarity

Grand slams are relatively rare because they require:

• Bases loaded (itself an uncommon situation)
• A home run (already difficult)
• Both happening simultaneously

Even the best power hitters might only hit a few grand slams per season.

Famous Grand Slams

Historic grand slam moments:

• Lou Gehrig: 23 career grand slams (MLB record for decades)
• Alex Rodriguez: 25 career grand slams (current MLB record)
• Travis Ishikawa: 2014 NLCS walk-off grand slam
• Robin Ventura: "Grand Slam Single" in 1999 NLCS (celebrated before touching all bases)

Grand Slam Records

• Most career grand slams (MLB): Alex Rodriguez (25)
• Most grand slams in a season: Don Mattingly, Travis Hafner (6)
• Most grand slams in a game: Fernando Tatis Sr. (2, same inning!)

Walk-Off Grand Slam

A walk-off grand slam is the ultimate, hitting a bases-loaded home run to win the game in the bottom of the final inning. It's one of the most dramatic plays in all of sports.