Olmedo Sáenz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olmedo Sáenz |
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| First baseman / Third baseman | |||
| Born: October 8, 1970 Chitré, Panama |
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| debut | |||
| May 28, 1994, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 27, 2007, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .263 | ||
| Home runs | 73 | ||
| Runs batted in | 275 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Olmedo Sáenz Sánchez, born on October 8, 1970, is a former professional baseball player from Panama. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB). Olmedo was mostly known as a pinch hitter. He also sometimes played first base or third base.
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Olmedo Sáenz's Baseball Career
Olmedo Sáenz had an interesting journey in professional baseball. He played for several teams during his career. He was known for his powerful hitting, especially when coming off the bench.
Playing for the Chicago White Sox
Olmedo Sáenz started his professional career with the Chicago White Sox. He signed with them on May 11, 1990. He began playing in the minor leagues in 1991. He played for teams like the South Bend White Sox and the Birmingham Barons.
In 1994, Olmedo got to play in the Major Leagues for the first time. His first MLB game was on May 28, 1994. He played third base against the Baltimore Orioles. He even got his first hit in that game! He played in five games for the White Sox before returning to the minor leagues.
Time with the Oakland Athletics
After leaving the White Sox, Sáenz joined the Oakland Athletics in 1998. He made it onto their main roster right away. With the Athletics, he often played as a designated hitter. He also filled in at first or third base when needed.
In 2002, he faced a tough injury. He tore a tendon in his right leg during a playoff game. This injury kept him from playing for a long time. He missed the rest of that season and most of 2003.
Joining the Los Angeles Dodgers
Because of his injury, the Athletics did not keep Olmedo. But the Los Angeles Dodgers gave him a chance in 2004. He joined their team as a right-handed pinch hitter. He became a very important player for them.
On September 8, 2004, Olmedo made baseball history. He hit a grand slam home run as a pinch hitter. This was special because another Dodgers player had hit a pinch-hit grand slam the day before. It was the first time in MLB history this happened in back-to-back games!
His best year was 2005. He hit 15 home runs and had 63 runs batted in (RBI). He also had a great 2006 season. He was known as a strong hitter, especially against fast pitches. Dodgers fans and commentators even gave him the nickname "The Killer Tomato."
Short Time with the New York Mets
Olmedo Sáenz left the Dodgers in 2007. In 2008, he signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets. He tried to make their team but did not succeed. After that, he decided to retire from playing baseball.
Playing for Panama
Olmedo also represented his home country, Panama. He played for the Panama team in the first ever World Baseball Classic in 2006. He had two hits and one RBI in three games during that tournament.
Coaching Baseball
After his playing career, Olmedo Sáenz became a coach. He worked as a hitting coach for the Great Falls Voyagers. This team plays in the Pioneer Baseball League.
Olmedo's Life Off the Field
Olmedo Sáenz is married to Sylvia. They have a son named Juan Carlos and a daughter named Jaquelyn. Olmedo also owns a ranch in his home country of Panama.
