Dave McNally made baseball history on October 13, 1970, when he became the first—and likely only—pitcher to hit a grand slam in a World Series game.
His historic moment came in Game 3 of the 1970 World Series at Memorial Stadium, where the Baltimore Orioles faced the Cincinnati Reds.
In the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, McNally launched a deep shot off Reds pitcher Wayne Granger, breaking open the game and securing a crucial victory for the Orioles.
His grand slam not only added to Baltimore’s dominance in the series but also solidified his reputation as a rare dual-threat pitcher, capable of excelling both on the mound and at the plate.
McNally was already one of the most reliable pitchers of his era, playing a key role in Baltimore’s rise as a powerhouse in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During the 1970 season, he won 24 games with a 3.22 ERA, helping the Orioles claim their second straight American League pennant. In the World Series, Baltimore defeated the Reds in five games, capturing their second championship in franchise history. Alongside Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, and Pat Dobson, McNally was part of one of the most dominant starting rotations in baseball history. Though he was primarily known for his pitching, his nine career home runs in the regular season showcased his underrated power at the plate.
McNally’s grand slam remains a unique feat, especially in an era where designated hitters now dominate offensive production in the American League. As baseball continues to evolve, his achievement stands as a testament to a time when pitchers were expected to contribute offensively. Inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame, McNally’s legacy is not only defined by his pitching excellence but also by a singular moment of offensive brilliance that still stands unmatched in World Series history.
#BaltimoreOrioles #baltimore #orioles #BaltimoreOriolesFansWorld #BaltimoreBridge #oriolesbaseball #oriolesnation #diahardoriloes
