Seattle Mariners: 5 Danny Valencia Career Highlights
By Paul Taylor
![Mar 17, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports Mar 17, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9b603aee9faf64db6639914177fe8020d78a963d309d53e2f8555c217f805166.jpg)
1) How about a grand slam or two?
Ahead of the 2010 season, then Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire raved about Valencia’s hitting. Gardenhire was particularly impressed with the youngster’s ability to hit a fastball, but also noted if he sits on a breaking ball, he could hit that a well.
The Miami, Florida native backed up his manager’s words just over a month after making his Major League debut, by hitting his first home run. However, what made it extra special was that it was a grand slam off of reigning Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.
It marked the first time in 49 years for the Twins’ franchise, that a player’s first Major League homer was a grand slam. The game, on July 26th, also saw Valencia finish with four hits, a feat which he would repeat the very next day, a first for a Twins rookie.
Talking of repeating feats, Valencia decided to once again hit a grand slam the following month. This time, the Detroit Tigers were the victims: