This date in Kernels alumni history – July 3, 1966
On July 3, 1966, Tony Cloninger (Cedar Rapids Braves – 1959) led the Atlanta Braves to a 17-3 win over the Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Cloninger helped his team’s cause with two grand slams, driving in a total of nine runs, the ninth coming on a run-scoring single. Cloninger became the first player in the National League, and only pitcher to date, to hit two grand slams in the same game, also setting a major league record for pitchers with his nine runs batted in.
Tony Cloninger finished his career with a 113-97 mark and an ERA of 4.07 during his 12 year MLB career playing for the Braves, Reds and Cardinals.
Cloninger was part of the 1959 Cedar Rapids Braves team that finished in 8th place with a 53-73 under manager Alex Monchak. He posted a mark of 0-9 in 10 games with an ERA of 9.59 as an 18 year old.
The Sprouting News 
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This date in Kernels alumni history – July 3, 1966 – Tony Cloninger (Cedar Rapids Braves – 1959) hits pair of grand slams