Denis Menke and Jim Wynn launch grand slams in the same inning for the first time this century
On July 30 , 1969 — Denis Menke and Jim Wynn launch grand slams in the same inning as the Astros crush the Mets, 16-3 and 11-5 in a twin-bill at Shea Stadium. The double slam was the first National League occurrence in this century (79 years). Jimmy Wynn and Norm Miller score on each bases-loaded home run. Mets pitchers Cal Koonce and Ron Taylor teeing up the honors. The last time in the American League was July 18, 1962. Taylor also serves up a single to Houston relief pitcher Fred Gladding, the only hit of Gladding’s career in 63 at bats and 450 games.
So hot were Houston’s bats that Larry Dierker took Nolan Ryan deep in the nightcap. Mets manager Gil Hodges, with his team trailing 8-0 in the third inning of the nightcap against the Astros, walks past Ryan on the mound and continues into the Shea Stadium outfield, where he asks Cleon Jones to leave the game after a brief conversation with the left fielder. At the time, reports indicate the star player suffered a leg injury fielding Johnny Edwards’ double, but many believe it was the skipper publicly demonstrating that he would not tolerate lack of hustle on his team.
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