Nick Kurtz hits a record-breaking grand slam for the Athletics

On September 13, 2025, in the United States, Nick Kurtz, a rookie player for the Oakland Athletics, delivered a remarkable performance by hitting a grand slam measuring 493 feet during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. This impressive home run was notable not only for its distance but also for being the longest in Major League Baseball for over two years. The Athletics secured an 11-5 victory over the Reds, with Kurtz's slam being a crucial part of their win. He had been struggling at the plate earlier in the game, going 0-for-4 before stepping up in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and the team holding a slim lead. The game featured several notable moments, including Brent Rooker's home run and Carlos Cortes hitting a two-run shot, contributing to the Athletics' offensive power. Jacob Wilson also played a key role, providing two doubles that helped push the team ahead late in the game. The Reds initially fought back with a three-run homer from Tyler Stephenson that tied the game at 5-5 at one point. However, the Athletics regained momentum and ultimately prevailed. Kurtz’s extraordinary home run broke several records. It was the longest grand slam and the longest homer by an Athletics player since the advent of Statcast. Additionally, the hit demonstrated Kurtz's exceptional hitting ability and power, as he has emerged as a significant player this season, surpassing 30 home runs thus far. His performance drew comparisons to former Athletics legends like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, highlighting his potential impact in the league. Despite this loss, the Reds remain in a competitive position for the wild-card playoffs, currently 1.5 games behind the New York Mets as they push for a postseason spot. The loss marked Cincinnati's second consecutive defeat against the Athletics, further complicating their playoff aspirations as they seek to recover in the final stretch of the season.