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) and was known for being a great pinch hitter. He also sometimes played first base or third base.
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Olmedo Sáenz's Baseball Journey
Starting with the Chicago White Sox
Olmedo Sáenz began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the Chicago White Sox on May 11, 1990. He started playing in the minor leagues in 1991. During his time with the White Sox organization, he played for several teams.
In 1997, he had a tough year because he tore a tendon in his leg during spring training. This injury kept him from playing for most of that season.
Major League Debut
Sáenz made his first appearance in Major League Baseball with the White Sox on May 28, 1994. He played third base against the Baltimore Orioles. In that game, he got his very first MLB hit. He played in five games for the White Sox before returning to the minor leagues.
Playing for the Oakland Athletics
After leaving the White Sox in 1998, Sáenz joined the Oakland Athletics in November 1998. He made it onto their main team right away. With the Athletics, he often played as a designated hitter. He also sometimes filled in at first or third base.
In 2002, he faced another serious injury. He tore a tendon in his right leg during a playoff game against the Minnesota Twins. This injury meant he couldn't play for the rest of the playoffs and most of the 2003 season.
Time with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Because of his past injuries, the Athletics did not keep Sáenz. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers invited him to their spring training in 2004. He impressed them and earned a spot on the team. He became their main right-handed pinch hitter.
Making History with Grand Slams
On September 8, 2004, Sáenz made baseball history. He hit a grand slam home run as a pinch hitter. This was special because it was the second game in a row that a Dodgers player hit a pinch-hit grand slam. Robin Ventura had hit one the day before!
His best season was in 2005. He hit 15 home runs and had 63 RBI (runs batted in), which were career highs for him. He also had a strong 2006 season, hitting for a .296 batting average.
Sáenz was known for being a very reliable player when coming off the bench. He was especially good at hitting fast pitches. Fans and commentators even gave him the nickname "The Killer Tomato." He rarely played in the field, mostly focusing on hitting.
Brief Stop with the New York Mets
After the 2007 season, Sáenz became a free agent. In February 2008, he signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets. He was invited to their spring training but did not make the team. After this, he decided to retire from playing baseball.
International Baseball Career
Olmedo Sáenz also represented his home country, Panama, in the first-ever World Baseball Classic in 2006. He played in three games, getting two hits and one RBI.
Coaching After Playing
After his playing career, Sáenz became a coach. He was the hitting coach for the Great Falls Voyagers, a team in the Pioneer Baseball League.
Olmedo Sáenz's Personal Life
Olmedo Sáenz is married to Sylvia, and they have two children, a son named Juan Carlos and a daughter named Jaquelyn. He also owns a ranch in his home country of Panama.
