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Italian born Reno Bertoia hits Grandslam – the first in history

Grand Slams, This Day In Baseball

On May 7, 1958, Detroit third baseman Reno Bertoia’s first-inning grand slam, the first ever hit by an Italian born player, proves to be the difference in the Tigers’ 5-1 victory over Washington at Griffith Stadium. The San Vito al Tagliamento native’s feat will not be equaled by a fellow countryman for another 54 years when Sanremo’s Alex Liddi goes deep with the bases loaded in the Mariners’ 5-3 win over Texas in 2012.