[Gleeman] Discovered a fun kicker to this tweet: Rocco Baldelli hit his only grand slam against the #MNTwins at the Metrodome in July of 2004, off Juan Rincon.

7 comments

1. The original tweet: [[Gleeman] Rocco Baldelli on Royce Lewis’ three grand slams in 50 games: “It’s not easy to do what he’s doing. Some guys play 10 years in this game and don’t hit three grand slams.” (Baldelli played seven MLB seasons and hit one grand slam. He did bat .405 with the bases loaded, though.)](https://x.com/aarongleeman/status/1696359233489416661?s=46&t=sFQ1esZ2sOxJBCUP0CZX3g)

2. Ho hum just another grand slam in baseball’s no fun era

3. The spreadsheet strikes again

4. Rincon story:

   I grew up near New Britain during the Rock Cats days, so following the players to the majors is how I became a Twins fan. They were all great and friendly, including Rincon, who talked with me and my dad a few times (we used to go to 20-30 games a year) and let me use the radar gun sometimes.

   A couple years later, we’re at Camden Yards to see a few Twins-O’s game. While I’m out trying to catch batting practice homers, my dad is sitting along the third base line. Rincon sees my dad, recognizes him, and comes over to greet and chat with him. He asked how I was doing (unfortunately I missed the conversation) and, after talking for a few, wished my dad well.

5. Juan Rincon? That’s a name I haven’t heard in ages…

6. “I had chills”

7. So he’s always shown a ton of enthusiasm