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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 /
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Mar 10, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Danny Valencia (23) singles during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at a spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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:

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