Third baseman Alex Liddi of the Seattle Mariners became just the second Italian-born Major Leaguer to hit a grand slam in Major League Baseball. He did it during a 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers in Safeco Field in Seattle on Wednesday (video on MLB.com). Reno Bertoia of the Detroit Tigers had accomplished this feat in 1958.
Liddi, who was born in San Remo, Italy and came through the development program of the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation and MLB International before getting signed as an amateur free agent with the Mariners, has been converted to a utility player this season to increase his playing time. He also has been used at first base, in left field and as designated hitter. It was just his second start in the outfield on Wednesday.
Talking to MLB.com following the game the 23-year-old rookie said, “It felt pretty good. It was a good moment. Obviously, you see the big-time guys doing it and when you do it, it’s a good thing.” Manager Eric Wedge, “He’s still a young hitter, learning how to hit. But the ball comes off his bat as good or better than anybody we have.”
Liddi went 2-for-3 with a walk and the grand slam overall against the Rangers. He is now batting .259 (OBP .318/SLG .432) with three homeruns, a triple, three doubles, six runs and nine RBI in 24 games this season. He had made his Major League debut with Seattle last September, when rosters expanded to 40 players. After Spring Training 2012 he made the opening day roster.
