What is a grand slam in baseball?
A grand slam in baseball is a home run hit when the bases are loaded, with runners on first, second and third. It scores four runs, the most possible from one swing.
When a batter hits a grand slam, the three runners already on base score, and so does the batter, for a total of four runs. Grand slams can quickly change the result of a game, which makes them some of the most exciting plays in baseball. They are relatively rare, because the bases must first be filled.
Alex Rodriguez holds the Major League Baseball record for the most career grand slams, with 25. Fernando Tatís hit two grand slams in the same inning in 1999, against the same pitcher, a feat no one else has achieved.
Other meanings
The term grand slam comes from the card game bridge, where it means winning all the tricks. In tennis and golf, a Grand Slam means winning all four major championships. In everyday language, a grand slam means a complete success.
Did You Know?
A walk-off grand slam ends the game immediately with the home team winning, often after coming from behind.