What is a grand slam in baseball?
Short answerA grand slam in baseball is a home run hit with the bases loaded, scoring four runs. It's one of the most exciting plays because it instantly adds four runs to the team's total.
How It Works
A grand slam occurs when a batter hits a home run while all three bases are occupied. The batter and the three runners all score, giving the team four runs on the play.
The term 'grand slam' is also used in other sports, but in baseball, it specifically refers to a bases-loaded home run. It can happen in any inning and with any number of outs.
- Bases must be loaded (runners on first, second, and third)
- Batter hits a home run
- Four runs score
- Counts as a home run for the batter
Notable Grand Slams
Grand slams are relatively rare but memorable. In 2020, Fernando TatÃs Jr. hit a grand slam in the playoffs. In 2021, there were 123 grand slams hit in MLB, according to Baseball Reference.
A grand slam can also be hit in a walk-off situation, ending the game if it gives the team the lead.
- Rare but exciting
- Can be a walk-off
- Stats kept for grand slams
Common mistakes
- Some think a grand slam requires a home run with the bases loaded, but it's specifically that.
- A grand slam is not the same as a bases-clearing double or triple; it must be a home run.
- People sometimes confuse a grand slam with a cycle, but they're different.
